Welcome to
SCIENCE KIDS' CLUB! (SKC)
SCIENCE KIDS’ CLUB !
Exclusively for the Fourth and Fifth Grade
Oak Knoll’s fourth and fifth graders are invited to become a part of Science Kids’ Club --a gathering of those who enjoy science and the workings of nature. It's an opportunity to meet together at lunchtime to experience some fun and competitive scientific challenges. Challenges range in variety from growing the tallest bean, to discovering the best way to turn a rubber band into a “motor” inside a tin can.
SCIENCE KIDS CLUB’S SETUP IS SIMPLE:
THERE IS NO SIGN-UP! Interested children are encouraged to attend scheduled lunchtime meetings in Room 28, but there is no commitment to worry about. No time for this challenge?? No problem... come to the next one! Want to watch, but not participate?? Great! We love your enthusiasm!
COMPETITIVE CHALLENGES:
Three to four times a year students are introduced to special, competitive challenges. Children are invited to a lunch-time Kickoff Meeting for discussion, guidance, and sometimes materials (parents are welcome).
A date is set for the competition (usually a couple weeks later), and when Challenge Day arrives, each student's solution to the problem is tested and compared to other competitors. Ribbons are awarded to the best solutions, and all participants receive certificates of achievement -- creating a working model is definitely an achievement!
A few days later, we gather for the last 25 minutes of lunch recess for a treat and science discussion over why some models may have performed better than others. Parents are always welcome to share their ideas during the discussion.
OTHER INFORMATION:
Although not required, it is to the student's advantage if parents become involved. Help at home is sometimes needed to gather supplies and discuss concept ideas. Encouraging your child's efforts can be achieved in many ways:
- supporting trial and error,
- encouraging laughter at failed attempts,
- cheering them on when they get discouraged,
- making suggestions, helping to research, not expecting perfection,
- honoring effort
... all these things help to “grow the mind.” The cliché, "If at first you don't succeed, try, try again," works well for this science club. Effort is as important as winning.
Parents are often interested in becoming "Lead Mentors" for Challenges, and this is encouraged. I also need 4 -5 parent volunteers to help run the challenge events smoothly (we run the challenge within the 45 minute time frame of lunch and need help with timing, recording, crowd control, etc.). If interested, please contact Caryl Brewbaker at
You will have fun if you help at these challenges.
Please Note:
Science Kids’ Club is always evolving and therefore subject to change until it runs as smoothly as any prize-winning experiment! Simplicity is key, and so are smiles! Happy Scientific-ing!!! (don't bother looking it up)
Here are some pictures to help you “visualize” Science Kids’ Club.
It’s always hardest when you begin any challenge...
You are wise to be patient, and try out as many options as you can...
Bridges
Green Thumb
Towers
Rocket Racers
Rubber band engines
Sailboats
Egg Drop...
... Even when you don’t win, there’s satisfaction behind a job well done!
We’ve also done Parachutes, Gliders, Propeller Craft, Neuroscience: The Senses, Strongest Electromagnet.... you name it, we can make a challenge out of almost anything!
2007-2008 Oak Knoll Elementary School
Science Kids’ Club Schedule
(Schedule could change)
Thursday
January 24
Rocket Racers kickoff meeting
Wednesday
February 6
Rocket Racer competition
Thursday
February 7
Rocket Racer wrap up meeting
Thursday
February 28
SKC#2 kickoff meeting
Thursday
March 13
SKC#2 competition
Friday
March 14
SKC#2 wrap up meeting
