Innovative methods of instruction are adopted in many schools. Most of the academic curriculum states facts and postulates.
Imbibing this is often a ready made knowledge. Kids usually like a fun element in their studies. This is their much needed break and they learn faster this way. Science is one area which is academic and yet interesting. When one talks about the body and its function, kids associate it like that of a machine. Experiments are always welcome with kids. The enthusiasm is clearly seen in their excited faces as they gear up towards their lab.
Get simple exercises for fun at home. If one wants to know by the look of an egg if it raw or cooked, all one needs to do is to spin the egg. An egg that is boiled works of a different centre of gravity and hence wobbles, whereas a raw egg has semi liquid inside and hence spins well.
There are these simple theories which we can use in practical life so that we also understand the logic of the universe. Life actually is about chemistry and physics and we choose to take many things for granted. Creating an environment to explore brings about a democratic kind of parenting.
We have often noticed mom in the kitchen while making a large jar of lemonade. She would usually use some boiled water to make the sugar solution. Use two glasses of water. One would be cold water and another hot water.
Use sugar in spoonfuls or cubes. Count the cubes. It is natural that the cold water saturates into a solution quickly and does not allow many cubes to be dissolved in compares to the hot water. This is because the molecules of sugar in hot water are at a wider distance and hence move rapidly dissolving faster.
The kids science projects are also a method for kids to draw their own conclusions. In case you want to explain photosynthesis or a complicated topic like allergy, it would be wise to first put all the theories and logics together.
Give the kids a free hand at learning through science books or self experimentation. Divide them in groups and appoint a new team leader each week. This promotes confidence and also make it a point to award a team each month.
The knowledge in self learning is great and kids appreciate teachers who help them stay motivated. Science projects are no more mundane and there is much to enjoy.
Care During Science Projects -
Though there is certain amount of thrill element during a science experiment the factors that relate to accidents are not unforeseen. Most times careless and being reckless is the main cause of problems during the sessions. Personal safety comes first and use an apron, gloves, goggles and cap while going to the laboratory. Understand the safety standards stipulated by the authorities. Care for your team mates safety too.
Certain chemical reactions emit toxic chemicals and fumes are not be smelt directly. An exhaust fan is the best remedy to expel such wastes. Do not touch chemicals with bare hands as though the colour may fascinate you the effects can be harmful. Always wash your hands with soap after finishing the experiments. Keep away from fire producing and fumes emitting items i.e. by maintaining a distance.
The property of the laboratory has also to be dealt cautiously. Use trays, protectors and shields to avoid spillage. Always work under the guidance of an expert. In case of an accident do not panic but follow instructions of the teacher. Store chemical items carefully. Label items so that it is easy for the next batch to use the same.
Most items are also delicate and other are sharp. While using such objects wear clean gloves and maintain the precaution. Keep medicines and first aid safety within hands reach. A special person needs to appointed to keep checking for replenishing the first aid box and also maintaining a protocol of standard do and don’ts. Prior to a project it is always better to ascertain the drawbacks or probable accidents so that one can prepare for the circumstance. The labs usually have a journal for such happenings.
A fire extinguisher is a must. Do not try out experiments in the oven or kitchen. While buying chemicals make sure to sign the declaration and heed the warning instructions. Home experiments related to flames, colouring agents, solution making are better done when elders are around to supervise. Use electricity of lower voltage and use a wooden stool. A wooden stick is absolutely necessary to discharge in case of shock.
Growing moulds can be your passion but watch out for allergies. Discard the container and do not attempt washing the same. Use disposable gloves and containers for fungus and mould formation. For the bold hearts, radiation is quite a dangerous problem and is governed by state laws. Provide for comfort of those around you if you know there are allergic and suffer from breathing sickness. The work area should be well lit, accessible and also serene to avoid hassles. Precaution is a million times necessary than cure.
Fun Chemistry Projects
Colouring is always a fun activity. How about include fire and colours together? The mixing is simple if you have the right chemical. Using Strontium Chloride in the flame results in the colour red. If you like orange then use calcium chloride and copper chloride gives you the blue colour. The colours can be easily procured in shops that deal with chemicals. Taking care and having immediate first aid facility is a prerequisite to all chemical projects.
It is true that oil and water certainly do not mix with each other. Try mixing the same and for effect use some colour to make the difference. Oil clearly floats above the water in the glass container. This is because water molecules have high cohesion and so does the oil molecules. Since there attraction to their own molecules is strong they do not combine.
Now try to use some detergent and one see that it binds well. This is because molecules of the detergent are cohesive with water and also oil. This turns out to be a mixture and hence to wash of oil stains a strong detergent is used. This experiment is real fun and also explains simple facts.
Another simple water experiment to show that temperature alters the movement of molecules is done easily. Use food colour in two separate glasses. One has hot water and the other has cold water. One can easily see the food colour mixing in the hot water faster than the cold water. Molecules move faster in hot water than in cold water.
Show the toddler the effect of precipitation while mixing water and salt and keeping it in the open. The water evaporates leaving a white precipitate. Initially the kids will love the rocky salts and want to play with it. This is also a fun way to inculcate healthy education programmes at home when outings are not possible. Kids love it when elders are mirroring their enthusiasm. Keep a journal handy and jot down your notings. In case of help you may refer to chemistry journals or also take the help of a class teacher.
There are easy to find instruments, chemical solutions and ingredients once you locate a one stop shop in your vicinity. Some chemicals are hazardous and you would need a license or a declaration. Abide by all safety standards and dedicate a separate room and certainly not your bedroom for such ad hoc experiments. Schools have complete equipped laboratory facilities with skilled experts who guide and educate on the subject.
On a boring day, use a solution of Epsom salt and water and pour it in a pan which already has black construction paper in it. Let the solution evaporate and notice precipitation of spiky shiny crystals. Now use the same with water colours. Magnify with glass and entertainment for the entire family at home is possible with fun chemistry projects.
Presenting a Science Project
Science experiments are real fun and conclusion can be well related to life. Going in a group over the weekend for attempting science experiments would be a fun idea. The same needs to be done carefully looking for the right environment and guide. Journals and books require lot of discipline. High school is a self learning experience which promotes a child to deal with disciplinary issue. Most of timely arrangements and being a little careful of presentation will save you a lot of time in reshaping things.
Whatever we do in life is all about presentation. A simple meal looks great with garnishing. The old sofa is welcoming with colourful pillows. The same goes for presenting school projects. Find what are the parameters for judging the project. In case charts or posters would be an additional way to convey your project do so with minimalistic jargons. The best way to explain a chemical experiment would be to start by solving the chemical equation. Keep flash cards too in case they may be addressed to an audience who is not a student of science.
There are power point method of presentation that can be done with animated effects. For an exam, find what are the things that you are allowed to use. Be neat with labels, underlines and also check if you can use the fluorescent pens for highlighting.
Extempore assessments are sudden and can be embarrassing if you do not have spoken skills. Be composed when you go to the white board and start with a flow chart. Take time to do the drawings if necessary. Explaining by this method is easy as the systematic workflow is already set up.
Find facts and control the lines in the conclusion. Verify with an expert and generate opinions. Keep a slot for verification remarks and feedback.
If you need to send across the assignment, make sure the folder is neat and does not have any loose papers. Keep annexures, findings very scheduled so that there is a clear connection. Go for typed styles than a hand written one. Do not use excessive jargons or high sounding English.
Simple styles are loved by all. Diagrams, graphs are easy for the mind to accept. Research should be supported and seconded by guides. Mark references. Double proof read all material. Present with lots of open acceptance and willingness to improve with each new finding.
Science Fair And Exhibitions
Innovation is always accidental. Most of the logics come out of common sense or through experience. Also experimenting with a range of things is what human beings are endowed with. There are logics about centre of gravity, balancing and the effects of vertigo about people. Knowledge level can be enhanced only through sharing.Many schools and colleges are realizing this that students learn when they are exposed uninhibited. Though guidance is available with experienced teachers and scholarly books the kids achieve a great thrill in doing things by themselves.
Science fair and exhibitions are all about exploring and learning new things. If one loves biology an opportunity to cover molecular science will only sharpen ones intelligence. All along in life, the brain stays young and it is up to us to keep stimulating it with various mediums of knowledge.
Active brain functioning is also the key to success and helps you overcome the mental age factor. Reading about seismology and volcanoes is knowledgeable. One need not be a scientist and achieve a doctorate as most hobbies are a fashion.
Organizing for a fair or exhibitions is a big event. With active interests from the people to display their knowledge prowess it is also important to have an efficient team that will organize the show. Smooth functioning has to be looked into. Back up plans and safety measurements are to be looked into. It is also important to secure all kinds of permissions and stipulate rules for the exhibition. The primary issue is the day and venue. Once the premise is located, adequate arrangements about shade, water and personal amenities have to looked into. Depending on the funds available the stalls are designed in unique fashion.
Kids or students will be given badges and volunteer tags should be indicated in a different colour. Stall numbers are to allotted with full names so that there are no problems and double allotment. Make provisions for viewers to stand and also make it a point to include charts and posters that are self explanatory. Entertainment is also interesting with magnet games, logic puzzles and easy chemical equations.
Food and refreshments can also be provided alongside. The viewers should be given a feed back form and a separate session to be conducted to address all their queries. In case people visit in large numbers it is very important to attend all and yet manage the crowd. Compact disks and pamphlets about future seminars, interesting facts can also be put up for sale.
