Science Is Hands On At SES

Discovering science through reading and discussion is a fine way to learn, but hands-on learning is even better. Researchers have shown that we learn about 50 percent of what we hear, read and discuss, but when we have a hands-on component, we learn about 80 percent. Especially in the sciences, hands-on learning and experimentation is the proven methodology that leads to increased student retention.

With this research in mind and with the support of the PTA, Scotland Elementary School has embarked on a hands-on approach to the teaching and learning of science. A major component of this approach this year is the work of High Touch High Tech, an outside organization that brings hands-on science learning our students, financially supported here by the PTA.

Beginning in the fall and continuing through early June, High Touch High Tech is visiting Scotland School on nine different occasions. Each visit provides a hands-on experience for the students about a topic that is in the science curriculum. Scientists come to the school with all the necessary equipment. The program goes from Grades 1-5 (kindergarten has other hands-on experiences with the Norwalk Maritime Aquarium and the Nature Center).

The High Touch High Tech programs are:

Grade 1

Get Buggy: Students discover the incredible world of insects and spiders. They find out all the creepy things insects do. Students design their own bug, see through an insect eye, make their own beehive and more. Students explore the many ways these critters help our world.

Grade 2

Smarty Plants: Students discover how plants make food and oxygen. They learn how plants transport water as the students turn their own carnations blue. Students read tree rings and get the facts about germination.

Water, Water, Everywhere: Students discover the amazing properties of water. They follow water as it freezes, evaporates and circulates. They learn how it shapes the earth and sustains life. Students purify water through distillation and filtration.

Nutty Nutrients: Students get the essentials as they learn about the food groups. They test for starch and fat and make butter. Students become food archeologists  and climb the great food pyramid. They see the power of vitamins and learn to make healthy choices.

Grade 3

Dig It: Students step into the world of geology. They learn about gems, rocks and minerals and how the Earth makes them. Students pan for real gems and keep what they find. They classify gems and find out why they are so precious.

Edison's Workshop: Students explore the amazing world of electricity. They learn about currents as they make circuits with bells and light bulbs. Students become "energized" as they learn about batteries and make their own electroscopes.

Grade 4

Finally Fun Machines: A hands-on and fun program on machines. The students will lift the teacher with a lever and become strong using pulleys. The students figure out how simple machines do complicated jobs.

Grade 5

Currently Attractive: Students feel the power of magnets at a distance and use them to make electricity. They discover how to use electricity to make light, heat and sound. Students build circuits using these devices.

Power of Light: Students find out just how amazing light is. They bounce it, bend it and split it up. They learn about the electromagnetic spectrum. They build a pin hole camera to see how the eye works. Students learn that seeing is not always believing when it comes to light.

Mark Solomon is the principal of Scotland Elementary School.