| • |
Let STUDENTS take the lead. |
 |
|---|
| Build on their interests. Let them pick topics, experiments, and
activities to do. |
| • |
Take time to DO science. |
|---|
| Give students time to explore, observe, handle materials, test ideas, and
talk about what they are exploring and learning. Provide time to repeat
experiments, to practice skills, to research more information, and to
heighten understandings. |
| • |
Listen and talk WITH students. |
|---|
| Encourage all students to talk and to share their experiences, questions,
and ideas. Listen carefully and talk about what they see, think, and
feel. Ask questions that can have more than one answer. |
| • |
Science is about probing questions and searching for
answers. |
|---|
| Model that it is okay, in fact necessary, to not have all the answers.
Have students search out information as they observe experiments, go to
the library, talk with others, and form their own theories based on their
experiences. |
| • |
Show enthusiasm! |
|---|
| Enthusiasm about science is catching. Let students see your excitement
about their projects, experiments, and discoveries. |
| • |
Catch everyday science moments. |
|---|
| Science opportunities often happen when you least expect them. Check out
science around you—a spider’s web, soil erosion on a rainy day, a
broken TV, a local community recycling or environmental problem. |
| • |
Practice Safety. |
|---|
| Teach and model good safety habits. Teach students how to prevent
accidents and what to do if one happens. Use materials that are nontoxic
and appropriate for the club's age level. Supervise students when using
heat or chemicals. Remove hazards like cleaning materials, poisons, sharp
objects, or things that break easily. Read and follow safety labels on
materials and chemicals. |
