New Science Resource for Elementary Teachers -- Four DVDs on How to Do Science Demonstrations and Student Activities

A series of four DVDs showing educators at the elementary level how to do science demonstrations is now available. Instructions as well as an explanation of the scientific principles are given for each of the approximately 300 demonstrations and student activities covering 17 topics commonly taught at the elementary level. Most of the demonstrations use supplies available locally.

Ancaster, ON (PRWEB) August 12, 2006 -- A new science resource for elementary teachers is now available. SCIENCE MADE EASY is a collection of about 300 demonstrations on 4 DVDs giving instructions on how to do science demonstrations and student activities for 17 common topics in the elementary science curriculum.

Unlike text-based descriptions of science demonstrations, each video clip in SCIENCE MADE EASY shows the instructor what is needed, shows how to set up the apparatus, describes how to do the demonstration, and explains the scientific concepts involved. Apart from some basic equipment described in the Introduction (such as a ring stand, clamps, thermometers, etc), most of the demonstrations employ common household apparatus. The majority of the chemicals used in the activities are available locally; their sources are also described in the Introduction (for example, hydrochloric acid is commonly found as muriatic acid in hardware stores). The Introduction even shows how to work with glass tubing using a propane torch as heat source.

Print materials packaged with the DVDs include an index of all the demonstrations on each DVD, safety guidelines, directions for preparing solutions, a summary of each demonstration (purpose, list of materials, suggested discussion questions, possible student activities and other suggestions), and charts and tables to support the activities. Most of the print materials are included as PDF files, which in turn can be used to search for specific demonstrations using Acrobat Reader.

Teachers with little training in science will find this resource especially useful, as it gives step-by-step visual and oral instructions on how to carry out each activity. Experienced educators can use this resource as a source for new ideas to try out in their classes. With suitable grade-appropriate explanations, many of these demonstrations can be used at any grade level. Hints are also given as to what works best and what to avoid.

The purpose of this resource is to show the instructor how to do the demonstrations, not to show the DVDs to the students. A live demonstration is much more valuable in learning science than watching it on a screen. Furthermore, many of these activities can be done by students at home to show to their parents and siblings. When that happens, you know that you’ve caught their attention.

Dr. Henry Brouwer, author of SCIENCE MADE EASY, is a former high school teacher and, since 1985, Professor of Chemistry at Redeemer University College in Ancaster, ON. He has been actively involved with the elementary science program through curriculum development, workshops for teachers, and science shows for K-12 students.

Sample clips of selected demonstrations, a list of all the topics and demonstrations covered, and ordering information are available at www.redeemer.ca/scienceDVD.

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