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How the Science Fair Prepares Students for Life
Apr 10, 2013 10:33 AM
By Gwen Sirmans - FF/S
Somewhere along the way in my personal education journey, I had that one “special” teacher who tapped into my science vein. In a nutshell, I love science. Like I tell the students at the beginning of each year, it is in my DNA! So I have to admit that the Science Fair and thoughts of it actually get me really excited!
I also realize that not everyone shares in my overflowing excitement, but I do hope that it catches on ... just a tiny bit. And whether or not science become my students main “thing,” my hope is for them to take away a foundation for life skills, not just science skills, that have been established in their Science Lab.
The 4th Grade Super Scientists and their Awesome Assistants (a.k.a their parents) have been diligently working away in their labs over the past several weeks! As we speak, they are in the final stages of preparation on some very stunning science experiments. The closer we inch to the BIG day the more excited, we, the Lower School, are to see the final product.
The 4th Grade Super Scientists have embraced the PROCESS of science, not just an experiment, and they are mastering a true understanding for the foundation of science. We science people call that foundation “The Scientific Method.” Next week, the Super Scientists will display their works and knowledge for everyone to experience at the Lower School Science Fair.
As you explore the various experiments at the Science Fair, look closely at the process that each student spent countless hours following. At times, it can be tough to follow a methodical process, but in the end the students (and assistants) have established a skill set for solving problems. The technique of applying the Scientific Method is not for science alone. It is a mechanism for solving any and every obstacle met in life. Pretty cool!
For EVERY problem encountered in life, the Scientific Method is all any of us need to be successful.
(1) Identify the problem.
(2) Brainstorm, research. Establish factual information.
(3) Predict, hypothesize. What might be the outcome and why?
(4) Gather materials needed to solve the problem.
(5) Perform an experiment. In life, follow a well-thought-out plan to reach a solution.
(6) Collect data information along the way and analyze that information.
(7) Draw a conclusion. What did you learn? Was your prediction right? Did you solve the problem?
Sometimes the problem is not solved, we must re-evaluate, make adjustments and try again! And guess what, sometimes our predictions are wrong. We might even think we have failed, and maybe on some level it is failure. However, regardless of whether or not our end result is “right,” we have learned, gained knowledge and understanding. We must make adjustments and try again. In science and in life, our failures are sometimes our greatest achievements!
The 4th Grade Scientists invite ALL of you to come see their experiments at the Science Fair on Thursday, April 11.
And a special note: I think our 4th grade Awesome Lab Assistants now know exactly why Einstein’s hair stood on end!
I also realize that not everyone shares in my overflowing excitement, but I do hope that it catches on ... just a tiny bit. And whether or not science become my students main “thing,” my hope is for them to take away a foundation for life skills, not just science skills, that have been established in their Science Lab.
The 4th Grade Super Scientists and their Awesome Assistants (a.k.a their parents) have been diligently working away in their labs over the past several weeks! As we speak, they are in the final stages of preparation on some very stunning science experiments. The closer we inch to the BIG day the more excited, we, the Lower School, are to see the final product.
The 4th Grade Super Scientists have embraced the PROCESS of science, not just an experiment, and they are mastering a true understanding for the foundation of science. We science people call that foundation “The Scientific Method.” Next week, the Super Scientists will display their works and knowledge for everyone to experience at the Lower School Science Fair.
As you explore the various experiments at the Science Fair, look closely at the process that each student spent countless hours following. At times, it can be tough to follow a methodical process, but in the end the students (and assistants) have established a skill set for solving problems. The technique of applying the Scientific Method is not for science alone. It is a mechanism for solving any and every obstacle met in life. Pretty cool!
For EVERY problem encountered in life, the Scientific Method is all any of us need to be successful.
(1) Identify the problem.
(2) Brainstorm, research. Establish factual information.
(3) Predict, hypothesize. What might be the outcome and why?
(4) Gather materials needed to solve the problem.
(5) Perform an experiment. In life, follow a well-thought-out plan to reach a solution.
(6) Collect data information along the way and analyze that information.
(7) Draw a conclusion. What did you learn? Was your prediction right? Did you solve the problem?
Sometimes the problem is not solved, we must re-evaluate, make adjustments and try again! And guess what, sometimes our predictions are wrong. We might even think we have failed, and maybe on some level it is failure. However, regardless of whether or not our end result is “right,” we have learned, gained knowledge and understanding. We must make adjustments and try again. In science and in life, our failures are sometimes our greatest achievements!
The 4th Grade Scientists invite ALL of you to come see their experiments at the Science Fair on Thursday, April 11.
And a special note: I think our 4th grade Awesome Lab Assistants now know exactly why Einstein’s hair stood on end!
