Teaching is a science! Each student and each class is different and there are always new breakthroughs, new discoveries and new challenges to confront. Science to Go! is helping teachers push the envelope of their abilities through professional development seminars in inquiry-based science. In hands-on workshops teachers are given the confidence of knowing that they are prepared for anything the inquiry-based science classroom has to offer.

During these one day workshops, you will have an opportunity to do the major activities in the science kit that you will be using next year. In addition to this specific science content, we will be covering the following topics:

• setting up distribution centers, handling materials in the classroom, team work and cooperative learning
• performance based assessment and embedded assessment
• NJ Core Curriculum Content Standards and National Science Standards as applied to the specific science module.

Dress informally and plan to roll up your sleeves and have some fun while we delve into hands-on inquiry based science. All workshops will be held in the science laboratory at P.J. Hill School, 1010 East State Street. They will start at 8:30 a.m. and end at 3:00 p.m. Refreshments and lunch will be provided.

Plant Growth and Development - Grade 3

These hands-on activities examine in detail the complete life cycle of a plant. Working with the Wisconsin Fast Seed Plant, students begin by planting their seeds. Germination takes place within 24 hours, and within a few days students are ready to thin and transpant their seedlings. Lessons follow the growth of the plant and include: investigating plant structure; charting the growth spurt that occurs before flowering; examining the bee/flower relationship using bee-sticks students have made; recording seed yield after harvesting and threshing. By the end of this unit, you will have provided your students with a complete picture of germination, growth and development, pollination, and seed production.

Earth Materials - Grade 4

Students are encouraged to research and identify the characteristics of rocks and minerals. They get practice with the tools and methods geologists use to determine the minerals inside rocks. They learn techniques for identifying specific rocks and minerals, including calcite, quartz and granite. Student keep journals recording their observations in both drawings and text.

Microworlds - Grade 5

Students will become familiar with the use of various types of magnifiers and related equipment. They will examine in detail several common objects such as pennies and fabrics. They will be introduced to the essential properties of magnifying lens as they explore water drops, clear acrylic shapes, and hand lenses. Small microscopes will be used to examine inanimate objects as well as volvox and vinegar eels. Skills of detailed observation and precise record keeping in both words and drawings are an integral part of this unit.