We had over 100 students and their families attend this event - the first of the fall semester. This semester's theme is "Culture in Science" and celebrates just that. My students did an outstanding job conceiving, researching, building and implementing their projects. Some posts regarding their project ideas will follow. For now, enjoy what was a great time at Barnes elementary!
Direct quotations from Student Reflections:
*The one thing that I will always remember from this event is that when you do this type of event, the teacher can learn as much as the student....When I left at the end of the evening all my fears were gone. To me, events like Family Science Night are a reminder of all the potential I have to become a great classroom teacher.
*I understand more now that science really is about inquiry.
*As future teachers, we have to accept that learning does not just take place at school from 8:00 a.m.- 3:00 p.m.
*Before this experiment I had mixed feelings about teaching science because I am not good at science. After this experience, I find science fun, engaging and interactive. This experiment has altered my perception of teaching science by showing me that science is not scary, it is fun and kids love it. It was amazing to have the feeling you have after you teach something to a child and they say, "Oh I get it!", with a big smile on their face and they want to do the experiment again.
*I felt very much like a TEACHER!
*There was a lot of learning new things for students that night and it really is great to see that pre-service teachers can make a difference in just one night....This was a great experience and one that I am very thankful to have been able to participate in.
*It was FUN!
*This experience showed me without a doubt how important parent involvement is to the success of any school activity.
*The one main thing I will remember from participating in this event is the level of excitement in the atmosphere. The conversations that carried on in the entire room at that moment revolved around science. There were so many students that wanted to jump from one center to another because they wer enjoying all of the information and activities.
*My favorite thing was talking to the parents; which is strange because that is what I was most apprehensive about before the experience....It made me feel good about myself. I had personally opened a family's eyes to the wonders and possibilities of science. Since science is my main passion in life it was exciting!
*I think the most memorable thing that I will take from this event was seeing all the smiles on the students faces....It really made me happy to see the smile and enjoyment they got out of the activity I provided for them.
*Some students came back for a second round just to do our activity once more. This is the way I intend my classroom to be. I want the students to feel as if they just can't get enough.
*I didn't realize how much the students already know!
*I now know that every student comes with different backgrounds and each have their own personal experiences....I assumed that everyone knew what cactus was but soon I came to the realization that my thinking was not true!
*I have always been timid of teaching science. Now that I have actually done a science project, I am more confident with myself! That was all I lacked to graduate from high school with honors - I dropped out of chemistry because I did not want to do a science project If only I knew then what I know now...
*I have to admit that I dreaded taking these science courses. There are some people who are afraid of math, and there are some people who are afraid of science - me. I am very hands-on learner and having a FSN is just that! I know the students and their families that attended learned a great deal and had fun at the same time! Life is good!
And here is my personal favorite: "During this event, not only did the students learn science, but I learned science myself." - Future elementary school teacher
