An adult or teen does the activity with 5-10 children, demonstrating curiosity, enthusiasm, and a relaxed attitude. That person may be called a leader, teacher, facilitator, partner or helper. The key point is that he/she leads through example and shared inquiry. You, the workshop participants, have lots of experience working with children so please speak up with ideas for making In-Touch Science more child-friendly.

Some ways to make the group comfortable include:

• Do activity with children - show them what to do instead of telling them.
• Sit or stand with children - don't stand before them to lecture.
• Let the child take the lead - assist only if asked.
• Allow time and space for "play" - don't rush and don't insist that everyone finish at the same time.
• Be sensitive to special needs - this may be a physical disability or something as common as an allergy. Note the Special Hints on the Leader's Guide page.
• Try to involve everyone in some way.
• Bring along a sense of humor.

Some ways to encourage (and direct) conversation include:

• Listen to children - their ideas are interesting, insightful, and entertaining.
• Ask stimulating questions - use words such as describe and compare instead of explain or why.
• Allow time for thinking - don't supply the answer to your own question.
• Be open to more than one answer - make a point of asking what else would work or who has a different idea.
• Respect all ideas - but be prepared to re-direct if suggestions are completely inaccurate, unsafe, or disrespectful to others.
• Explore the differences in activity results - more can be learned from what "didn't work" than from uniform results.
• Remember that conversation doesn't have to be verbal - drawings, demonstrations, and writing provide unique expression.

Facilitators may also assemble supplies, interact with parents, recruit volunteers, locate facilities, and assure safety. (Note: see other relevant modules)