April 9, 2006

Science for Young Learners Conference - A New Venture for NSTA

The National Science Teachers Association hosted a special day for PreK-2 teachers who want to make science more fun, more hands-on and more integrated into their teaching experiences. The Science for Young Learners Day was the brainchild of Bill Ritz, Professor Emeritus at California State University and the Conference Chairperson for the 54th Annual NSTA Conference in Anaheim, California (April 6-9, 2006). Bill Ritz and his conference planning committee invited me to help them kick-off the day as their morning keynote speaker. Download a special handout from the morning keynote. (more...)

September 6, 2005

When the tie dyed lab coat comes out, it’s time for science

You're in for a treat today, because I'm posting my very first podcast interview. Listen in on my discussion with Julie Gintzler, kindergarten teacher extraordinaire and instructor at the Hands-on Science Boot Camp as she shares one of her secrets to teaching science. Julie doesn't do diagrams on the board or long dissertations. Her secret is her lab coat. After 18 years of teaching, Julie has finally found something that sparks the kids' imagination right off. The first time she introduces a science experiment, she wears her tie dyed lab coat. From it she pulls out a gem of the day. It might be a test tube. It might be a magnifying glass. It's a great way to introduce the tools in a fun and exciting way. The kids know the minute her lab coat goes on, science is just around the corner. Most lab coats are white. One of my teachers in high school had one with burns all over it. Julie tried a plain white one and the kids were frightened. They thought "doctor"? or "nurse"?. So Julie's is tie dyed from head to toe in primary colors. Not only is it a cue that it is time to … (more...)

August 29, 2005

Indonesian boy flies to Colorado to assist with Spangler Science

About six months ago, 12-year-old Harry Lee contacted me via email. He said he found the "Spangler Science" section on 9NEWS.com and started his own science club in Indonesia. Harry watches the experiments on his computer and then re-creates the fun with his club. Over the past few months, Harry and I have exchanged emails and even talked on the phone - I could tell that there was something special about this young man... he was amazing. I received a call 3 weeks ago from Harry - he was attending the Summer Institute for the Gifted (SIG) at Amherst. I told Harry that I'd love to see him if he ever makes his was to Colorado. The phone rang later that night... it was Harry Lee. "My parents would like us to meet... so I'm coming to Colorado on August 29th." WOW! I told Harry that I'd like to have him as a guest on 9NEWS to do one of his favorite experiments. Today, I meet the Lee's for lunch - Harry, his sister Alexandra and his parents Lilly and Keat - and I know I understand why they say, … (more...)

August 16, 2005

Active things parents can do to help kids learn science

It doesn't all rest in the hands of the teacher. If you are a parent there are some active things you can do to help your kids prepare for a lifetime of science or inquiry. Help by reinforcing what your teacher is doing in class. When your son or daughter comes home after doing a science experiment and it gets to the dinner table, it must be good. Instead of saying "I know that"? when your son or daughter says "Do you know that an orange will float, but if you peel an orange it will sink"? try saying "That is not true! An orange won't float! That's impossible!"? Your child will beam from ear to ear because they have got something on you. In other words, allow your son or daughter to own the discovery. It is one of the most motivating things you can do to reinforce what the teacher is teaching in the classroom. Act surprised and you will be amazed. Listen to my podcast on active things parents can do to help kids learn science (File size is 1.5 MB) (Show length 3 minutes 9 seconds)

July 7, 2005

Scientist of the Week - Great Idea!

Here's an idea submitted by Candice Ware - a really creative teacher who is getting her kids doing science. This idea originated with Dr. Jean. I just carried it a step further. I have an attache case labeled Scientist of the Week. Each week one child takes home the case. Inside is a lab coat, glow in the dark glasses and a clipboard of simple science experiments. The child chooses one experiment,(does not need to come from the clipboard), practices it, and comes to school with the case and materials necessary to present it to the class. Parents are welcome to come in and assist or take pictures. My first graders love this and can recall who did whic experiments. Everyone gets 2 turns during the year. We even wrote a class book about this. It gives the children ownership of a piece of science. This idea came through our Teacher Inventor program. Thanks Candice.