Date of Award
12-1-1986
Document Type
Thesis - NSU Access Only
Degree Name
Master of Science
Department
Center for the Advancement of Education
Keywords
Demonstration (Educational), Discovery Learning, Experimental Learning, Learning Centers, Peer Influence, Peer Teaching, Science Activities, Science Curriculum, Science Education, Science Experiments, Science Instruction, Science Projects.
Abstract
The writer implemented an intensive science program for the fourth, fifth and sixth grade students plus one self-contained SLD class of intermediate students. The two goals of the program were to increase the number of classroom teachers using the lab and to increase the amount of time that the science lab was used. All of the regular intermediate teacher and one self-contained learning disabled intermediate teacher used the lab. The implementation lasted ten weeks with the lab being used by approximately three classes per day four days a week. The fifth day was used to primarily clean up and reorganize for the next week's activity. A multi-media approach was used for the introductory overview for each of the three major science units. The overview lessons were conducted by two sixth grade students. Phase two of the program included a class experiment with accompanying worksheet activities. This was also student led. The final phase of each unit was a series of ten different experiments relating to the unit. Thirty lab stations were set up to accommodate classes of up to thirty children. Each station was manned with a sixth grader who acted as an assistant in deciphering directions, or helping with equipment and safety. Results indicated that both objectives were met: the number of students using the lab and the amount of time the lab was in use both increased. The program achieved recognition in the county by the district science supervisor. It will also be featured in a slide-tape show for the teachers of Volusia County. It was recommended that the program be continued and extended to the gifted centers.