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An integral part of Edu 354 (Teaching Social Studies, Science,
and Mathematics in Elementary School) is the math/science family night
at local elementary schools. Each semester students prepare a math/science
hands-on inquiry activity for parents and students grade K-5. Attendance
ranges from 100-250 during the two hour family night. University students
practice the inquiry style method of discovery with guided questions. Students
learn and explore scientific and mathematical principles and everyone enjoys
the evening. This project takes place every semester and has been in place
since 1998 with great success.
Sample topics:
- how to blow soap bubbles and why it works
- looking at constellations and galaxies through a telescope
- measuring the distance traveled by paper airplanes, and discussing ways
to improve the design and then testing those changes
- finding hidden patterns and sequences
- dissecting and inspecting organs from an adult pig
Newspaper article description of family night
The Edu 354 effort has spawned a similar project as part of
Edu 350 (Teaching reading and Language Arts in Elementary School), a literacy
family night where families read, discuss, and write together.
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