Sci-Teks Discovery Program for Kids©

 -- Boosting interest in Science and Technology --

the (Primary-) School Outreach Program

of the  Sci-Teks Discovery Program for Kids^©

Serious concerns about declining achievement test scores (especially for mathematics and science) have spread worldwide. Successful remedies and solutions seem to be in short supply. Our guiding principle for Sci-Teks Discovery Program for Kids is creative play and hands-on experiences with the tools, toys and experiences of science. Our -FREE- Program brings science materials for hands-on, in-school interest sessions for Primary and Middle-School students, meeting students in classrooms with tools and cool toys of science. We want to positively influence basic attitudes about schooling. Instead of "teach to the test," we are promoting the goal of "learning to learn." To that end, we have developed specific, flexible workshops on these individual themes so far:

• Numeracy, Shapes, Fractions
• Magnetism (action -- and penetrating force -- at a distance)
• Optics (lens action, colors, absorption by materials)
• Optical Illusions
• Air and Sound
• Geology, Rocks, Minerals, Fossils, Dinosaurs
• Oceanography
• Solar System/ Space Exploration
• Engineering Structures (material's strength, 3-point supports, bridge design ...)
• Marble Towers and Mazes (how long a time can it take a marble to roll through our setup?)
• Spinning Toy Tops
• Toy Car Racing (influence of car weight, wheel friction, car shape)
• Animals
• Insects

The usual format is to spread out the exhibits for a session (30+ minutes) at a variety of "stations" with an adult present for guidance or explanation. Students then select their interesting materials to study and try "experimenting" with. There is little need for instruction and no lecture is given - all time is meant to be on task. Whenever possible, a brief art or craft experience and the possibility for a "goodie bag" of items to take home is included. Our goal is not primarily to support existing curricula but rather to give practical experiences with related materials to stimulate independent thinking and questioning. We particularly target students with visual or kinesthetic learning styles, who generally profit less successfully from mostly verbal presentations. Many of the same items can be used at other grade levels in slightly different ways by adding media and print materials. At our school in Jefferson County this year, for example, we will offer Space and the Solar System for kindergarten and grade 4. We will do Geology in grades 2, 3 and 6. To further reinforce acquiring information and retention of content, we will be collecting questions for periodic "Quiz Bowl" competitions at each grade level. We think that this could be a livelier, more attractive and engaging way to reinforce learning and review than the standard Q & A wrap up before the annual Colorado State CSAP assessments.

An implied responsibility of receiving the Nobel Prize (John Hall, Physics, 2005) is to bring constructive efforts to global issues and work actively for social change and improvement. As a team, we have more than 80 years of experience in public education between us. We are focusing our efforts for outreach to kids in schools by way of our developing programs. So come play with us, and let us know what you think...