Tips for Homeschool Science Podcast from Elemental Science

Ep 94 - How to: Know if you Should Demonstrate or Experiment

February 08, 2021 Paige Hudson: Author, Speaker, and Homeschooling Mom Season 7 Episode 94
Tips for Homeschool Science Podcast from Elemental Science
Ep 94 - How to: Know if you Should Demonstrate or Experiment
Show Notes

Should you demonstrate or experiment for hands-on science? And how do you know the difference? 

In today’s podcast, we are going to take a look at these two types of hands-on scientific tests and when you should use them.

Show Notes - https://elementalscience.com/blogs/podcast/94

Note - This audio is an expansion of a popular post from Elemental Science. See the original post here:

Timestamps

(0:57)
Your options for hands-on science.

  • You have lots of ways to help your students encounter science face-to-face.
  • Two of the most common are scientific demonstrations and experiments.

(1:55) The Scientific Demonstration

  • Definition: A scientific demonstration is an explanation of a process that is illustrated through an example, which serves as proof or evidence of the scientific principles at work. 
  • These allow your students to see the principles of science firsthand.
  • The teacher models the principles of science as the student observes.

(3:40) The Experiment

  • Definition: An experiment is a test or trial done for the purpose of discovering something unknown or validating a theoretical principle. 
  • These always follow the scientific method.
  • The student is the driving force and the teacher is the mentor.

(6:04) The Subtle Difference

  • Scientific demonstrations are teacher-led and student observed.
  • Experiments are student-led and teacher-facilitated.

(6:23) Learn how to know which one to use in your homeschool.

  • Use scientific demonstrations during the early years. Think of these as your knowledge-building tools.
  • Use experiments as your students get older. Think of these as your exploratory tools.
  • As your students mature, your role shifts from the demonstrator, or feeder of knowledge, to the mentor, or educational facilitator.

(11:14) Get help for teaching science at home with our programs.

Got questions? Email support@elementalscience.com or connect with us on the web:

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