Positive Tomorrows Students Learn Scientific Method

The Science Fair is one of those childhood memories that brings both pleasure and pain.  These were the times when all the household resources were focused on building paper maché volcanoes or life-like depictions of the solar system.  Regardless of how inconvenienced we were by those assignments, looking back can bring fond memories for parents and students alike. 

So how do homeless children participate in science fairs?  Homeless children don’t have a place to work where they’re staying, no crayons or scissors, and no money to spend on project materials.  The science fair is just another example of the many childhood experiences homeless children miss or fail in due to their transitional, impoverished lifestyle.  Children who have the best motivation and innovation find little resources and support to help them succeed.    

Here at Positive Tomorrows, we provide homeless children with diverse experiences where they can participate regardless of money, space at home or time.  Mrs. Ferguson created a terrific opportunity this year for our 3^rd, 4^th and 5^th grade students to implement a science experiment, adjust variables and create a final presentation. 

These students taught their pet rats, Francis and Shadow, to maneuver through a labyrinth.  They built the mazes themselves and watched as food stimuli motivated the rats through the labyrinth.  Shadow learned really quickly but Francis was not catching on.  The students adjusted her motivation but still she could not finish.  It finally took Shadow leading Francis through the maze for her to finish. 

After their experiment ended, the students were divided into teams to create a poster presentation for a Professor from the University of Central Oklahoma to review.  He plans to teach them about scientific method and provide feedback on their work.  This is a fantastic way for them to experience competition appropriately, feel proud of their work and learn scientific methods in the process.

1. 

   julia says:

   June 29, 2010 at 1:57 pm

   i relly miss everyone
2. 

   Susan says:

   July 23, 2010 at 8:25 am

   Julia, we miss you too, sweetheart! Do well in school this year and make us proud.