Scientific Experiments Speak Every Language
Science is a global and universal subject. The curriculum is to a large extent the same all over the world, independent of religion and culture. The joy children experience when doing a scientific experiment is also universal. Maria Litlehamar, who studies teaching at NTNU, Norway, saw this first hand when she brought a little of Scientist Factory on her travel to Zambia for an exchange program. In this article Litlehamar elaborates on her experiences from the travel.
On the 5th of February 2017 seven NTNU students and myself traveled to Zambia. Our bags were far heavier than the airline accepted without adding extra cost because they were full of equipment from Scientist Factory. They were stuffed with lab coats, protective goggles and everything we needed to do experiments with slime and colors. We had a strong desire to show children the joy of scientific experimentation in a country with far fewer resources than Norway. But our first encounter with the teachers at Livingstone, their way of teaching and subject books left us somewhat worried.
Kids love hands on experiments
They didn’t usually do experiments. On the other hand, the teachers insisted that we follow the books and standard curriculum to prepare the students for a big test. We had to use all our convincing abilities to get them to change their minds. Luckily our attempts were successful and we were allowed to do experiments in all the four groups we were responsible for. Six of us were with the fifth graders, while the remaining two were with the sixth graders. There were forty students in each group.
The first experiment was a slime experiment with a group of fifth graders. Only two of us teachers were available and naturally some chaos occurred. The students were extremely excited, and it was challenging to calm them. This lead us to do the experiment step by step, which made it easy for them to pay attention. Every single one, independent of preconditions, successfully completed the experiment. It was obvious that they had a fun and joyful time as well. The same activity was also conducted at a different school with a different fifth grade, and was also there greeted with same level of admiration and happiness.
During our five-week stay we also conducted an experiment called Amazing Colors, and the students found it enchanting. We let them paint plastic cups with paint that changed color depending on the temperature of the water in the cup. Surprised and amazed, the children spontaneously applauded and their faces were glowing. See their reaction in the video below:
We also tested glasses that slit white light to all the colors of the rainbow. The students found this incredible, and applauded once again. We saw science’s potential of creating joy. They were smiling throughout the entire lesson, and were proud to have been able to do this with only a little guidance.
Scientific gear
The lab coats and protective goggles were also very popular. Just the sight of them was enough to ensure the students something fun was about to happen. They were eager and happy to take something home to show their parents what they’d done at school.
Personally I believe that the children benefited very much from the time we spent with them and that they will remember it for a long time. They got a new understanding of what science is and what can be gained from experiments. Unfortunately we did not have enough time to go deeply into the theory, but I believe the practical part of experiments is just as important. Over all, I am confident they had memorable and joyful experiences.
Science, passion and emotions
Passion develops excellence and is driven by emotions
Thousands of hours with practice is necessary to develop excellence in an area. The perseverance necessary to reach this level, is dependent on passion. And passion is again founded on emotions, positive emotions associated with the area of interest.
The biggest concern for all parents is to secure that their children develop the necessary skills to master life as an adult. For many this doesn`t only mean to succeed in school, but also to learn sports, music or similar leisure time activities. But how do children get the endurance and grit necessary to immerse themselves in a subject or a skill for years?
Passion nurtures grit
– To excel at something, focused practice and lot of repetition is necessary, explains professor Hermundur Sigmundsson at the Institute for Psychology at the Norwegian Technical University in Trondheim, Norway. Essential to not give up when facing adversity, is also a fighting spirit and a positive mindset, and these qualities are nurtured by passion and interest.
So how do we develop passion and interest?
– These emotions begin with an internal spark that grows to inner motivation, continues Sigmundsson. It is all about emotions, positive emotions that create feelings of joy and happiness.
Making science fun
This research supports the pedagogy developed by the Scientist Factory since it`s foundation in 2002, where linking positive emotions to natural science always has been a main goal. By doing hands on experiments, triggering children`s senses and taking them by surprise, we awaken their curiosity. Thereafter, we explore phenomena in more detail and place them in a wider context. And we do this together with other people as we believe that sharing real and interesting experiences with others have great value. We remember more when we can talk about it to others, and furthermore, we develop social skills while exploring phenomena together.
The Scientist Factory has a long lasting effect
But do these experiences lead to a long-lasting interest for natural science? To answer this question, we have completed three separate surveys interviewing students that attended our courses nine to ten years ago. And each time the results have been very similar. More than 90% of our participants, remember what they experienced as motivating and fun, and 55% are still very interested in natural science. Furthermore, almost 20% answer that the courses they attended as a child at the Scientist Factory, have influences they decision to study STEM-subjects as an adult. Or as one previous student explains:
I am studying to become an engineer. I believe this decision has been influenced by early exposure to experiments and science at the Scientist Factory. Enthusiastic course leaders, the possibility to do my own discoveries and the explanations we got, taught me that science and technology is fun.
Founded in Norway in 2002 as Forskerfabrikken, the Scientist Factory is currently becoming an international social enterprise with its educational toys for children (scientistfactory.com and Forskarfabriken.se). Recently the Scientist Factory Summer Lab has also been launched abroad. This is a course for 26 children aged 9-14 years where all equipment needed to do exciting experiments for five days is provided. Furthermore, instructor training is offered online at teachers.scientistfactory.com. For more information, contact hanne@scientistfactory.com