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How to Think Like a Scientist

In this interactive science class, students become thoughtful scientists as they perform fun experiments and learn to ask questions, make predictions, and observe.
Kim Musolff
Average rating:
4.9
Number of reviews:
(232)
Class

What's included

4 live meetings
3 in-class hours

Class Experience

In this 4-day camp, we discuss four things that good scientists do:  (1) Ask questions; (2) Make observations; (3) Make predictions; (4) Record their work.  Students will practice these four behaviors as they experiment with exciting chemical reactions and engineering challenges, using common, everyday objects you can find at home.  Through interactive slideshows, videos, books, and simple experiments, students will explore what "science" is, and will be encouraged to think like scientists.  

In each class, I will 
 -Introduce the topic (5-10 minutes)
 -Read a short story or watch a video about a scientist (15-20 minutes)
 -Perform an experiment (15-25 minutes)

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DAY 1
********
TOPIC: What do scientists do? Introducing the 4 behaviors of scientists
BOOK: "On a Beam of Light" by Jennifer Berne
FEATURED SCIENTIST:  Albert Einstein
EXPERIMENTS:  Hopping Corn & Colorful Volcanoes

********
DAY 2
********
TOPIC: Making Observations
BOOK: "The Watcher" by Jeanette Winter
FEATURED SCIENTIST:  Jane Goodall
EXPERIMENTS:  Fizzy Balloon & Magic Milk

********
DAY 3
********
TOPIC: Asking Questions
VIDEO: How do Scientists Know So Much?
FEATURED SCIENTISTS:  Galileo Galilei & Mary Anning 
EXPERIMENTS:  Drawing Your Hand

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DAY 4
********
TOPIC: Predicting & Recording
BOOK: "Ada Twist, Scientist" by Andrea Beaty
FEATURED SCIENTIST:  Ada Lovelace
EXPERIMENTS:  Foil Boats

Learning Goals

Students learn that there are 4 things scientists do:  Make observations, ask questions, record what they see, and work through failures.
learning goal

Other Details

Supply List
I will provide a PDF of science journal pages and detailed supply lists upon enrollment.  Most materials are item you can easily find around the house (tape, paper, aluminum foil, etc.).  There are a few small items that you may need to take time to purchase or find:

-balloon
-empty water bottle
-vinegar
-50-100 pennies

Also, I will be reading aloud picture books in this class.  I WILL show the pictures on a slideshow as I read.  However, if you would like for your child to have their own copies, these are the books we will use:

"On a Beam of Light" by Jennifer Berne
"The Watcher" by Jeanette Winter
"Ada Twist, Scientist" by Andrea Beaty
 2 files available upon enrollment
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Sources
"On a Beam of Light" by Jennifer Berne "The Watcher" by Jeanette Winter "Ada Twist, Scientist" by Andrea Beaty
Joined April, 2020
4.9
232reviews
Profile
Teacher expertise and credentials
Colorado Teaching Certificate in Elementary Education
I am a certified K-6 teacher with over 25 years of experience teaching students in PreK - 8.  I love helping students make connections to the content they are learning in fun and meaningful ways! 

Reviews

Live Group Class
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$60

for 4 classes

4x per week, 1 week
45 min
Completed by 22 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 6-9
4-9 learners per class

This class is no longer offered
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