Ep 94 - How to: Know if you Should Demonstrate or Experiment

Should you demonstrate or experiment for hands-on science? And how do you know the difference?

In today’s podcast, we are going to take a look at these two types of hands-on scientific tests and when you should use them.

Show Notes - https://elementalscience.com/blogs/podcast/94

Note - This audio is an expansion of a popular post from Elemental Science. See the original post here:

• Scientific Demonstrations or Experiments

Timestamps

(0:57) Your options for hands-on science.

• You have lots of ways to help your students encounter science face-to-face.
• Two of the most common are scientific demonstrations and experiments.

(1:55) The Scientific Demonstration

• Definition: A scientific demonstration is an explanation of a process that is illustrated through an example, which serves as proof or evidence of the scientific principles at work.
• These allow your students to see the principles of science firsthand.
• The teacher models the principles of science as the student observes.

(3:40) The Experiment

• Definition: An experiment is a test or trial done for the purpose of discovering something unknown or validating a theoretical principle.
• These always follow the scientific method.
• The student is the driving force and the teacher is the mentor.

(6:04) The Subtle Difference

• Scientific demonstrations are teacher-led and student observed.
• Experiments are student-led and teacher-facilitated.

(6:23) Learn how to know which one to use in your homeschool.

• Use scientific demonstrations during the early years. Think of these as your knowledge-building tools.
• Use experiments as your students get older. Think of these as your exploratory tools.
• As your students mature, your role shifts from the demonstrator, or feeder of knowledge, to the mentor, or educational facilitator.

(11:14) Get help for teaching science at home with our programs.