Science Teacher Resources: Things Many Science Teachers Can’t Live Without

December 28, 2009 by admin  
Filed under Science

Christopher Cameron asked:


Science teachers have resources that they use all the time for teaching their students and also for educating themselves on certain scientific subjects. A science teacher will often be required to know far more about the subject matter that they are teaching than the students who are being taught. This makes them more effective, by having a complete understanding of their subjects. This also allows them to answer almost any questions that their students may have. These teacher resources are often in the form of books, peers, or websites. There are also scientific products and supplies that they can buy, which come complete with a lesson guide.

These types of teacher resources end up being incredibly useful. In the end it means that the teacher can spend more time on other things, rather than trying to come up with a lesson on their own. These types of ready made science lessons are a wonderful resource for teachers, particularly those teaching physical science or physics. The best part of these science products is that they come with full instructions, not only on how to make the demonstration work, but also include a detailed explanation on how and why it works as well. This type of hand-on science learning provides a great tool for teachers of all grade levels, starting from a very young age. It has been well demonstrated that when learning becomes more interactive, retention levels increase exponentially.

The instructions and explanations that come with these scientific products and supplies simply mean that the teacher won’t have to spend precious time researching the subject for explanations on why each part of the experiment works. Teachers are also free to utilize these demonstrations as they see fit, using as much or as little of that information as they would like to. For example, when dealing with higher grade levels, they can be very detailed and study the phenomena with great detail. Alternately, when teaching younger children, a more simple explanation will do fine.

These types of teacher resources also come in a huge range of complexity and price. You can find experiments and demonstrations that use advanced physics like a Planck’s Constant measuring device, which demonstrates that energy isn’t a matter of intensity, but rather frequency. You can also find much more simple devices like magnets, color wheels and tape measures. No matter what grade or age the children are you are working with, you can find a suitable science product. The visual and hands on science experience often remains with people for years after their education is complete. In fact, if you ask most people about the things they remember from science class, often times it is only the hands-on experiments that they can clearly recall.

Each science classroom will have different needs, depending on the age level of the students and their individual abilities. In using these science products to teach physical science and physics, teachers can adjust the lessons, adapting them as they see fit for their students. A good science teacher will always have a variety of resources available to them, including hands-on science teaching products and supplies. Students will develop a better understanding of physical science and physics through the use of these hands-on science products.



Liberty Science Center: Reinventing the Science Museum

October 12, 2009 by admin  
Filed under Destinations

Ann Knapp asked:


From its unique approach to engaging people in real science, to its goal of positively influencing communities to take action to improve our world, the Liberty Science Center in Jersey City has been re-invented to enhance educational travel and inspire student groups in scientific literacy and understanding.

Science museums first appeared in the early 1800s, with a focus on collecting, researching, and presenting artifacts in an attempt to understand the past. In the 1960s, science museums sought to entertain and engage their audiences – increasing scientific literacy and understanding. Today, many science centers are focused solely on interactivity. The newly reinvented Liberty Science Center has placed its efforts on encouraging actual science activism, acting as a resource and catalyst to advance the realm of science, technology, and society.

Enhanced by its historic and cosmopolitan location, which overlooks Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty, the Liberty Science Center strives to inspire student tours in understanding the continuing connection between scientific advances and how they improve the human condition.

For instance, the center’s “Live From Robotic Surgery” program uses live teleconferencing to take students into the O.R. where they interact directly with surgeons and witness how the advances of science and technology benefit humans. Program offerings include topics on cardiology, neurosurgery, and kidney transplant. Other programs include lab workshops in a state-of-the-art laboratory where students embark on an interactive learning experience led by a knowledgeable science educator.

As students explore the new Liberty Science Center, they encounter “Skyscraper!”, an unprecedented look at the planning, design, and technology of these amazing structures. Whether walking a steel girder high above the exhibit floor, facing down jet-powered hurricane force winds to test a building design, or taking a quiet moment to reflect on the destruction of the World Trade Center, “Skyscraper!” leaves students with a new appreciation and altered view of the impressive skyline that surrounds the center.

“Infection Connection” describes how the choices we make on a daily basis contribute to the rise and fall of infectious diseases. In this exhibit, students explore interactions between humans and microbes, learn about emerging diseases, and see how science develops tools and technologies to prevent and treat infections. Student tours can even conduct microbiology and epidemiology experiments in the center’s own laboratory.

While most of the exhibits in the center are brand new, students can still see some familiar favorites from the earlier days in “Wonder Why: Observe, Imagine, Create.” Exhibits highlights include the fossil-studded Rock Climbing Wall, observing the attributes of air at the Bernoulli Blower, or creating a masterpiece in the Digital Darkroom.

Science comes to life in demonstrations offered live in the center’s exhibition galleries. Student group travelers have the opportunity to participate and ask questions of a science educator on topics that correlate with the exhibits. For instance, students learn how to be an amateur surveyor using actual surveying equipment or learn the steps required to create a sterile environment in the operating room while performing live surgery on a (vegetative) patient. Or, they may experience first hand how lasers work and discover some of the ways lasers are used in daily life.

In the Liberty Science Center IMAX Dome Theater, student tours journey into ancient tombs or observe the surface of Mars during their scheduled film showings. In the Digital 3D Theater, the story of NASA’s Solar Terrestrial Relations Observatory mission unfolds, told through the eyes of key NASA participants. The film features the first stunning 3D images ever captured of the sun and explains the vital knowledge the science community will gain from the mission.

The Liberty Science Center offers a variety of educational programs based on age and interest level. Some of the more popular choices include lab workshops, which are held in a state-of-the-art laboratory, where students embark on learning experiences, ranging from meteorology to New Jersey wildlife, with a science educator. Enhanced Experiences allows groups to choose an onsite experience and dig deeper into one of the center’s new exhibitions, or pick an outdoor experience and learn about the Hudson River estuary.