Farragut fourth graders experiment with science at USF
Fourth graders from Farragut Elementary School recently visited the University of
St. Francis and participated in science activities including: designing and building a bridge; experimenting with reaction time; hypothesizing magnetic materials; using online computer simulation to create a roller coaster; and static electricity experiments, among others.
About 20 USF elementary education majors were responsible for planning activities, bringing the materials participants needed and executing the lesson, including assessment.
"Our teacher candidates got an opportunity to plan a lesson, execute it and reflect upon it with real, live students," said Cathy Nelson, USF assistant professor of education, who explains that the experience was priceless. "They were also able to teach the lesson more than once, so they could see how the lesson changed with each new group of students," she said.
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| USF teacher candidate Katie Nelson shows fourth grade Farragut students an experiment on reaction time. |
Some 27 students from Shane Johnson’s class participated from Farragut elementary. They were escorted by Jean Yates, fourth grade teacher, who describes the experience as wonderful and very timely, since science is tested in fourth grade with the state.
Yates describes the science stations as being well planned and organized. "Having small groups at each station with two or three teacher candidates was a big advantage over the classroom," said Yates. "Also, the science vocabulary we use in the classroom was reinforced in the activities. All in all, it was evident that all students involved, child and adult, benefited from the experience."
While visiting, the students also had a chance to tour the campus, which they especially enjoyed. According to Yates, they were very impressed with the dorms, the gym and the weight room. "They now appreciate the university in their neighborhood and are motivated to go to college," she added. "We even discussed scholarship opportunities through academics and athletics and many told me they now want to go to college. The fourth grade teachers and students at Farragut look forward to more collaborated projects."
According to Nelson, USF hopes to offer more opportunities like this in the spring. Bill Bromer, professor of biology and environmental science, and Nelson will team teach an introduction to a life science course for education majors, which will provide teacher candidates with additional opportunities to teach science lessons to Farragut Elementary School students.
For more information about University of St. Francis programs, visit www.stfrancis.edu.