Creating Unforgettable Learning Experiences

By April Oaks

Growing up, I did not like science.  It was by far my least favorite subject.  I didn’t understand it and it certainly wasn’t fun.  With exception to an amazing physics teacher in high school, I never had any other teachers who helped me see any value in science.  I did have great teachers… just not in science.

 

Now I’m the mother of a science nut!  I have a son that is crazy about science.  He is smart and curious and has a strong desire to learn all he can about science. As his mom, I feel an obligation to teach him all I can, and help encourage the good things he is interested in.  A few years ago this was a problem, because I still didn’t like science.  However, I knew I had to get over that to help encourage my son’s desire to learn.   So, I did what I needed to… I faked it.  I pretended to love science.  I also researched simple science concepts, and found lots of science experiments to do with my kids.   Thank goodness our kids start out small so I didn’t have to know a lot in the beginning.

Soon enough, I didn’t have to fake a love for science; I really did love it!  I began to love it because I found out it could be interesting and fun.  Steve Spangler has been my main resource for everything science because he has such a fun way to present all concepts.  His videos are especially helpful and entertaining to watch.

If you are a teacher or parent who wants to create unforgettable learning experiences, copy Steve’s enthusiasm and have fun with your kids.  Don’t lecture!  It’s easiest to learn when you are having fun.  Make things explode, create a mess, and learn about the things around you.  Science is awesome!

Here are some of my favorite ideas from Steve Spangler.   Don’t just watch the videos, read how things work.  Steve’s explanations are easy to understand and so fascinating!  If you don’t see an explanation for how something works, click on tabs surrounding a video or product until you do.  You are going to feel so smart when you see how simple science concepts help you understand complex principles.

1. Egg Drop  – Newton’s Law of Inertia is Awesome!  I still can’t believe this worked so easily!
2. Boo Bubbles – You have to try this!  However, if the Boo Bubble container isn’t in your budget, you could try this experiment to build your own.
3. Vanishing Jelly Marbles – This is one of my son’s favorites.
4. Marshmallow Masher  – Just fun… and cheap!
5. Windbags  – Seriously, incredible.  Such an easy way to understand a complex principle.  Read how it works here.
6. UV Beads – Quickly see how sunscreen works.
7. Centripetal Force Board – Crazy Fun!  We love this board.  You could do similar experiments with a bucket of water, or grocery bags filled with food.
8. Film Canisters – Nothing makes my son happier than making things explode.
9. Balloon Skewer – For Halloween we gave out tricks instead of treats.  We put a few balloons, a skewer and instructions on how to do this experiment in a plastic bag for each kid who came to the door.
10. Walking on Eggs – Unbelievable!  Who would guess an egg could be so strong!