Thread: Scientist of the Week

ohhhhhhhhhh boy, new trick...double post.
the first one didn't seem to go so i submitted again.

On Friday I draw a name for who will be the little scientist. They take the bag home and it's up to them (with parental help) to find and practice an experiment to share with the class the following Friday.

What if you have a kid whose parents don't want to get involved? What do yo do then? Do they know how to do an experiment if their parents won't help them?

I've not had that happen. I've had 19 so far, and have 4 more to go with next one doing his tomorrow. The parents have been very helpful so far.

That's why I worry when everyone says "What a great idea!"

My daughter has a friend who comes over for help. She only has one parent, and he could care less about helping her, or doesn't have the time (not sure which). She is just sheer lucky that her friend has a teacher-dad. Others aren't so lucky.

And whose to blame? IMO, the teacher.

[soapbox]Teachers, don't rely on parents unless you know EVERY kid is going to get the necessary support. Every kid is entitled to the same opportunities to succeed.[/soapbox]

Well, Lizard, I see what you are saying, but I am certainly not going to quit doing a great activity because of what might happen. If it were to happen I would probably help the student. As far as your daughter's friend, I'm sure she is thankful you are kind enough to help her.

If it were to happen I would probably help the student. As far as your daughter's friend, I'm sure she is grateful you are kind enough to help her.

That sounds like a neat idea! I think it's a good idea to encourage students to do more science projects. There are a lot of classrooms that focus so much on English and math that science kind of gets left out of instruction.

One thing you might add to the bag is a photo album where you take a photo of the scientist of the week all decked out in his or her garb, along with a representative prop from the experiment. Students will love looking back on all the photos at the end of the year. This is a delightful activity, especially if every child has a chance to participate over the course of the year.

That sounds like a great, unique idea! A real good way to get kids excited about science! I wonder if some of the concepts invented by famous scientists are too advanced for young minds, though?