"Scientists are no longer stuffy guys who wear glasses and lab coats."
"They were not only very motivated but had control over the learning experience which is done outside rigid school classroom schedules."
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Sci-Blast
Why does Sci-Blast work so well?
Kids and scientists?
Kids in scientific research labs?
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What kid would want to spend time talking to a stuffy
scientist in a white lab coat about research?
BORING! |
What scientist would want to invite a middle school
student into their lab and try to explain complex scientific
concepts to a teenager?
AWK! |
Are scientists
stuffy and boring? Not at all. They don’t even wear white
lab coats all the time. They are involved in intriguing
research in a variety of aspects of science….including wildlife
biology, oxygen isotope research on dinosaurs, rabies prevention
and cure, astronomy, marine biology. And they enjoy sharing their
research with middle school students.
Arranging
interviews, interviewing scientists, writing and revising articles,
and making web pages is a lot of work. All Sci-Blast participants
volunteer their time. Why would anyone want to make such an investment?
Why
does it work so well…
for
Sci-Blast science reporters?
- Students
who enjoy science get to explore careers in the field and discover
how one becomes a “scientist.”
- Their
paradigms shift. Scientists are no longer stuffy guys who wear
glasses and lab coats. They are “real” people and they
have fascinating experiences. Exploring the world of scientific
research is exciting. Have you ever held a dinosaur egg, set
a trap for a fox, smelled raccoon bait, or seen the jawbone of
a drum (fish)?
- They learn
many practical skills. To be a successful Sci-Blast science reporter
one must have good personal interaction skills with adults and
with peers. It is necessary to oral and written communication
skills. Reporter also must use use technology resources effectively.
- They build
character. Students learn formal netiquette for communicating
with adults through email. They learn to collaborate with their
partners as they do research, interview scientists, write articles,
and create web pages. They use good manners during interviews
and on field trips. Working closely with their partner and with
adults on a difficult, important task they learn the importance
of perseverance, honesty, sensitivity, and commitment. Sci-Blast
reporters are highly motivated to complete their articles and
share them with others. They display their work with pride in
a job well done. They hope that the articles will inspire others
to consider a career in science.
…for
teachers?
- Teachers
enjoy learning. Sci-Blast provides many opportunities for teachers
to learn about the incredible cutting edge research that they
can share with their classes.
- They make
connections with scientists who provide information and resources,
serve as guest speakers or consultants for the classroom.
- They learn
how research is done and the preparation required to enter science
careers so they can better prepare their students.
…for
parents?
- Parents
get to spend quality time with their children.
- Those
who attend interviews with students learn about the many avenues
that scientific research encompasses.
- They understand
and have a new appreciation for scientists and their research.
- They enjoy
seeing their children progress and develop skills.
- They are
proud of their children's work.
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As a parent I saw Sci-Blast as a wonderful opportunity
for my daughters to see first hand how learning science
in the classroom relates to working scientists in the real world.
Sci-Blast offered my daughters the chance to see how learning
in the classroom can relate to the real world of science by meeting
people who often work “behind the scenes” in very specialized
areas.
Each Sci-Blast student is given the opportunity to choose
a “scientist” who may be of interest to
them for whatever reason and then self pace their learning to
whatever ability level they desire.
The Sci-Blasters set up their own interview questions,
their essays and then eventually developed their own web site
which created a very positive learning experience.
For both my daughters Sci-Blast was very exciting.
They were not only very motivated but had control over the learning
experience which is done outside rigid school classroom schedules.
Interestingly, the students learn to share ideas and what eventuates
is a team effort.
Sci-Blast also became a very creative expression of my
twin daughters' individualism.
-Sarah Mendel, Sci-Blast parent |
...for
the researcher?
- Researchers
throughout the triangle are actively supporting Sci-Blast. It
provides them with a time-limited opportunity to share their
vision and passion for their research with our science reporters,
parents, and teachers.
- Sci-Blast
provides a connection with the community and a forum for helping
the public understand the relevance of their work.
…for
the community?
- Others
can access cutting edge research. The students report complex
scientific principles and research accurately in terms everyone
can understand.
- The Internet
makes this information available worldwide. Students also include
hyperlinks to related articles.
- Sci-Blast
provides career information for those interested in scientific
research.
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