HOW TO START YOUR OWN
HANDS-ON SCIENCE PROGRAM

Teachers are very busy and school budgets are tight. You can still have an extensive hands-on program. The key is to start small and let the program grow, and to get parents and community involved.

One of the great things about primary science is that you don't need to know any of the subjects in depth. With experimental science, the kids are teaching themselves. There are no right answers, only what the kids observe.

Also, you can and should expect that things will go wrong. Not every experiment will work every time. That's part of the scientific process. Your class will learn more from the mistakes made or unexpected results than if everything goes smoothly.

Once you find experiments that you'd like to try, find a parent or two who is willing to help. These people do not need to know anything about science; rather they should be good shoppers and scroungers. Many parents are willing to help so don't be afraid to ask. It gives them the opportunity to be more involved in their child's education. Try to start a couple of months ahead of time and have them collect the materials. Print and photocopy the experiments. Then, when everything's ready, teach the unit and have fun. You're guaranteed to learn lots of new things yourself. Here are a few tips on teaching experimental science.

If possible, have two teachers work together to introduce a unit. They can support each other and they will be able to see how the program works in different classes. Trying to introduce a program to more than two classes simultaneously is very difficult when you're just starting.

If the program is successful and you want to use it again next year, ask your parent volunteers to refurbish the kit so it's all ready for you. Consider helping other teachers in your grade level introduce the unit to their classes. And maybe even think about trying another unit yourself.*