ISEN-ASTC-L is a service of the Association of Science-Technology Centers
Incorporated, a worldwide network of science museums and related institutions.
*****************************************************************************
Diane,
We have a wonderful lab program here at the Gulf Coast Exploreum. We
have a hands on lab which is open all day. It is set in such a way that each
experiment is self directed, via an instruction sheet. Some of the
experiments are taken straight from collage lab manuals and some from books
about fun science at home. We try to have experiments with varying degrees
of difficulty. All of the materials used are safe for any age child. There
are 6 different lab stations set up, each with its own experiment directions
and the materials needed to perform the experiment. Not only does it benefit
our home school visitors it also benefits anyone visiting our science
center.
We set up our experiments based on a theme, which changes monthly.
Some of our themes have been Biochemistry, It's a Gas and Chemistry 101. As
with any science lab activity it does not take much to tailor a given
experiment to the topic at hand. We have found that we can use one
experiment to cover topics in 3-4 of our lab themes. All that is needed is a
simple rewording of the experiment and outcome. We also use our lab setting
to do perform demonstrations related the theme. This allows us to provide
even more information, do some attention getting science experiments and to
be available for in-depth questions.
The lab is a permanent part of our exhibit hall and as far as I have
seen still rather rare among science centers, in the aspect of visitor
usability. We have modeled our lab off of OMSI's, Oregon Museum of Science
and Industry, chemlab. This type of setting is a great platform to share
hands on labs with not only the home school crowed but regular visitors as
well.
Educating, ecouraging, and enlightening...
Tim Pula
Science Coordinator
Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Center
Office (251) 208-6858
Lab (251) 208-6859
Experience new experiments each month in the Ciba Lab.
-----Original Message-----
From: Informal Science Education Network
[mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Diane H Peapus
Sent: Sunday, November 07, 2004 8:52 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Home Schoolers & LAB programs
ISEN-ASTC-L is a service of the Association of Science-Technology Centers
Incorporated, a worldwide network of science museums and related
institutions.
****************************************************************************
*
Hi Everyone:
I wonder if anyone can give me any info on models for
programs that offer curricula based science labs and
target home schoolers.
All the home schooler parents I talk to say that the
hardest thing for them to provide for their kids is
the science labs. Some say they enroll their kids in
Community College lab classes. I'm wondering if there
are any models of museums offering the needed labs in
a curricula based package?
Specific questions:
-How is it administered? Advertised?
-With what ages does it work (I presume 10-12 grade
chemistry, physics and bio labs are the most needed).
-Do parents pick-n-choose, or buy the whole package?
-Do parents participate in the lab with the kids?
-Do you have labs in your own facility, or work in
collaboration with local colleges or schools.
Thanks in advance for your comments!
diane h peapus
***********************************************************************
More information about the Informal Science Education Network and the
Association of Science-Technology Centers may be found at
http://www.astc.org.
To remove your e-mail address from the ISEN-ASTC-L list, send the
message SIGNOFF ISEN-ASTC-L in the BODY of a message to
[log in to unmask]
***********************************************************************
More information about the Informal Science Education Network and the
Association of Science-Technology Centers may be found at http://www.astc.org.
To remove your e-mail address from the ISEN-ASTC-L list, send the
message SIGNOFF ISEN-ASTC-L in the BODY of a message to
[log in to unmask]
|
