Learning objectives:
- Hands-on science does not always equal hands-on learning.
- Children need to discover the lost art of wondering through guided inquiry and questioning.
- The purpose of a presentation is to enthrall a child's attention and stimulate further inquiry.
- When appropriately designed, hands-on activities provide children with the essential tools to discover something "new" on their own.
- Never miscalculate the power of presentation.
- Demonstrate, captivate, motivate, and stimulate further inquiry.
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Do we really need science demonstrations?:
A common goal among science teachers today is to arouse the students' curiosity and peak their interest in science. Undoubtedly, more and more teachers are turning to science demonstrations and hands-on activities as a way to real the goal. Why are demonstrations and hands-on activities the answer? These teaching tools give children the chance to experiment, explore, and ask questions on their own. Science gives children, and adults, a means by which to explain remarkable events that take place in their daily lives. Teachers can take advantage of a child's curious nature by demonstrating an unusual scientific phenomena,
and then by asking the child to come up with a clarification. Science demonstrations not only exemplify key concepts, but also provide an avenue for further inquiry.
One of the techniques teachers will learn in our workshops is to present demonstrations and introduce hands-on activities in such a way that children will invariable precipitate the questions "How did you do that?" There is evidence that students will retain science concepts much long when they are shown an engaging demonstration that provokes an inquiring reaction, and then challenges them to figure out why. Parents will in turn call the teacher for clarification on the hows and whys of the experiment for duplication at home, replicating the activity and cementing the answer! How cool!
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The overriding goal of this workshop is to introduce participants to a variety of science demonstrations, experiments and thought-provoking ideas that are intended to challenge inquisitive minds and open the doors to further exploration. The demonstrations can be used to kick off discussion or support fundamental scientific principles that are generally taught in public and private schools. Most importantly, the questioning in each activity will prompt the students to think more like scientists, and to solve challenging problems using the fundamental principles of scientific inquiry.
Additionally, Texas Safety Standards, research findings, TEKS/TAKS information, Laboratory Requirements in Texas and other necessary documentation is presented in an easy to understand, easy to apply approach that is necessary for science teachers today.
The Learning Cycle
- Motivation - a desire to want to learn more because of the stimulated inquiry by means of the presentation
- Information - provide content and subject matter
- Exploration - allow students to engage in their own
hands-on learning
- Application - build a connection between this lesson and
a real-world experience
- WOW Factor - make it unforgettable!!
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