The creativity and innovation of the volunteer Scientists have broadened the scope of the Adopt a Scientist from classroom visits to include bridge building, agricultural science and coding. With so many learning opportunities available, it was time for a refresh.
The creation of the “Science Discovery Squad ” allows the reorganization all of the SEP volunteer elements into one volunteer program with the cohesive purpose of connecting community with classrooms!
Teachers can invite the Science Discovery Squad into their classroom where students can participate in hands-on science experiences and experiments. There are four divisions.
The SCIENCE Division:
Sixteen different hands-on, curriculum-linked demonstrations. From Gr. 2 Simple Machines to Gr. 8 Fluids and many more topics in-between. Sessions are ongoing throughout the school year. (Those familiar with the Adopt A Scientist program will be glad to see these very popular classroom visits continue!)
The BRIDGE BUILDING Division:
To celebrate National Engineering Month and learn about structures, Grade 5 students build bridges using wood craft sticks and hot glue to a given set of specifications. The strongest bridges from each class face off in a final competition held annually in the early spring of each year.
The AGRICULTURE Division:
Who better to talk to students about where their food comes from than the people that produce it? Some volunteers make visits throughout the year and others concentrate their volunteer efforts to help celebrate Canada Agriculture Day in February each year.
The CODING Division:
This is a brand new learning opportunity in the pilot stages. Volunteers provide an introductory computer programming experience with and without the computer.
These are unique learning experiences. Our science volunteers lead students through hands-on activities that teachers would not likely tackle on their own, often using equipment and demonstration materials the volunteers have created themselves. Not too many schools have a life-sized trebuchet or hovercraft that will lift a student in their science storage cupboard!
Activities are curriculum-linked, but slightly outside the box in the sense that they go above and beyond the textbook. The emphasis woven into all volunteer demonstrations is always“hands-on, minds-on”, where students learn science by doing science!
If you are interested in booking a Science Kit or arranging for a visit from a Science Discovery Squad volunteer, please contact Wendy at the Science Education Partnership.
Wendy Hooghiem, Science Centre Technician
(E) Wendy.Hooghiem@lkdsb.net
(F) 519-336-1500 ext. 31580
Web: www.lkdsb.net
(Click on “Elementary” and then choose “Science Education Partnership” from the left side menu.)
Twitter: @SEPSciCen
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