Karen Puracan is a science teacher at Hale Academy in Ocala, Florida. The school is a small private school with grades PreK-12th. Mrs. Puracan teaches 8th grade integrated science, 6th and 7th grade life science, 8th through 10th grade physical science and high school biology and ecology. To say she teaches a little of everything is an understatement.
Class sizes are small. Her largest class has only 11 and the smallest classes have only three students. This gives Mrs. Puracan the opportunity to really get to know each student and engage them one-on-one – something most teachers today are unable to do. This also allows time to play or “investigate” as Mrs. Puracan calls it with science.
“Since we are a private school, we have the freedom to take our time exploring things in more depth, without worrying about the test,” Mrs. Puracan explains.
Last year, Mrs. Puracan was a physical science “greenhorn” and stuck to the book. She quickly found the book was boring for both herself and her students.
It’s January and it’s Science Fair season. The keywords, “science fair projects,” “easy science fair ideas,” and “science fair help” are some of the top searched terms on Google in the month of January as students and their parents get online to look for help on their science fair projects.
Participating in the school science fair is a fantastic opportunity to learn about the scientific method, ask new questions, discover new science facts, conduct experiments and gain a new understanding of how science works. It also builds self confidence and public speaking skills.
My favorite part of the science fair is the bright smiles and prideful faces of the students who participate. In my daughter’s school, participating in the science fair is strictly extra-curricular. I am always so proud of each and every student who dedicates the time and
Becky Ditchfield never wants to know what we’re doing for our Science Mondays segment on KUSA-TV 9News. This was our last segment of the year and I wanted to make it one for her to remember. I pulled out an old favorite from the Spangler repertoire, but it was new to Becky. In anticipation of your next question, here’s the disappearing ink recipe.
By Guest Contributor Kristin Fitch From ZiggityZoom.com
I have 3 boys. From an early age I introduced my children to basic science concepts. There was no room in our house for formalities, or serious science, at least not when my boys were only 2,4, and 6. I was on a mission to encourage a love of learning, and to make sure I introduced my boys early on to science and math. The honest truth is, neither math nor physical sciences were my strongest subjects. I preferred the social sciences and I did not want that to be a weakness for my boys.
Anyways when we had time, I would get out all of the supplies to create slime, make a basic volcano or some other kitchen chemistry experiment and my boys loved every single experiment.
The only unspoken requirements given by my boys were that it had to bubble, fizz, pop, change colors, or be slimy, gooey, or change from one state to another (ex. freezing things). Why? Well, of course, because science has to be exciting at this age. A 5 or 7 year old may lose interest in a science experiment that takes several days or weeks to happen. There is a
The kids are home from school and are already saying, “We’re bored!” Here are some science activities that celebrate the season while the kids are home and looking for entertainment.
Borax Christmas Tree Ornaments All you need is a little borax, food coloring, string, a jar and pipe cleaners to make these beautiful snowflakes that won’t melt.
Grow Your Own Newspaper Tree Use a few sheets of recycled newspaper and some heavy duty scissors to make a growing magic Christmas tree.
Karen Puracan is a science teacher at Hale Academy in Ocala, Florida. The school is a small private school with grades PreK-12th. Mrs. Puracan teaches 8th grade integrated science, 6th and 7th grade life science, 8th through 10th grade physical science and high school biology and ecology. To say she teaches a little of everything is an understatement.
