Children Grades 3-5

In-Touch Science was developed for children in grades 3-5 (approximately ages 8-11). Creative leaders and teachers have used the program with younger and older audiences, but doing so usually requires some adaptations.

Adult/Teen Facilitators

Trained facilitators are key to the successful use of In-Touch Science. They not only do the activity with the children, but are responsible for parent notification, safety, evaluation, supplies, and other tasks. Facilitators do not need a degree in science. They MUST enjoy working with children. Knowing all the science answers is less important than a willingness to explore and learn about science.

Settings

In-Touch Science was designed for informal settings. It also has been successfully used in the classroom. Out-of-school settings have included 4-H clubs, scouts, school-age child care programs, camps, science clubs, Girls Inc. affiliates, fairs, science centers, and nature centers. In the classroom, the program is often used as an introduction or a wrap-up for a particular topic. Although the activities are based on the national science standards, two activities may not be sufficient to fully explain a science concept or to provide adequate practice of science process skills.

Hands-on

All activities are experiential. Children are encouraged to try the activities for themselves and at their own speed. They can re-do or re-design the activities. The focus is on discovery and exploration.

Small Groups

In-Touch Science works best when one trained adult or teen facilitator does the activities with 5-10 children. This group is small enough for one adult to interact with all children and for all children to have a chance to contribute. It is large enough to generate excitement and diverse ideas.

Simple Equipment

Most supplies are ordinary items that children will recognize and are competent to use (measuring spoons, cups, scissors, etc.). This is all you need for Fibers & Animals, Digestion, Activity A - Threads of Life. The publications give instructions for adapting the equipment for children with special needs and for mail-ordering the few specialty items.

Individual Work Stations

Working together is an important part of In-Touch Science, but whenever possible individual work stations are provided. This allows each student to explore in his/her own way. They can still share their results and questions. A few activities such as cheese making are best done as a group.

Flexibility

In-Touch Science facilitators are encouraged to adapt, extend, and modify the activities to fit the needs of the children. Yes, it is OK to do Session 5 before Session 2. Yes, it is OK to do Activity A today and Activity B tomorrow. Yes, you can take the activity to the fair and include younger siblings. Please try to maintain the connection between Activity A and Activity B so that children do not lose sight of this link. Otherwise, use your ingenuity and child-focused approach to deliver a program that is just right for your group.

Relax and Have Fun

A recent Cornell Cooperative Extension survey asked children what makes a good science experience. Many responded that doing things with their friends and having fun were two key components. Socialization is important and we all know that learning is easy when learning is fun.