Curriculum, learning and teaching
Science is objective, data-driven, and factbased. Science does not discriminate. Science does not have a hidden agenda, and it transcends political and cultural boundaries.
learning and understanding of the work studied over the previous few weeks. Recently, I held a science fair for our Grade 2 (7 to 8-year-old) students and their parents. The theme was ‘Materials’, and during the fair both students and parents described a variety of materials, created marshmallow and spaghetti towers, and tested the absorbency of kitchen towels. Earlier in the year, Grade 1’s science fair focussed on ‘Light and Sound’, while Grade 3’s focussed on ‘Forces and Simple Machines’. After organising and running science fairs for a number of years, it is clear to me that students grow from the experiences. Working with their relatives, students have the opportunity to communicate, engage, and show their interest and expertise in science. Concrete curriculum links are established in the students’ minds, which then facilitate further growth in different topic areas. Many students also re-create experiments at home, thus further demonstrating interest, commitment, and a passion for science. Science
fairs celebrate science. Science is objective, data-driven, and fact-based. Science does not discriminate. Science does not have a hidden agenda, and it transcends political and cultural boundaries. Do science fairs have a place in international education? You bet they do! My final science fair this year was for our Grade 4 students and parents, and was based on the ‘Geology’ unit. Students and parents travelled back in time 175 million years, and created the Pangaea by moving a cut-out map of the world on a sticky and resistant layer of syrup. They also created working volcanoes and streams of lava with food colouring, bicarbonate of soda, and vinegar. To top things off, they created and tested earthquake-resistant buildings! Incidentally, this science fair also coincided with our ‘Crazy Hair Day’, a day when students (and staff) decorate their hair and donate to registered charities. The expression ‘mad scientist’ certainly crossed my mind on more than one occasion throughout the day! So, are science fairs still relevant, with a place in international education? A categorical ‘yes’. Do they impact student growth? Absolutely! Anthony Artist teaches science in the lower school at ACS Cobham International School, UK. Email: aartist@acs-schools.com
Do science fairs have a place in international education? You bet they do!
Spring
Autumn |
| 2019
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