September Update
Anne Church
Teacher Updates from the Discovery Center
Online Wiki Demos make teaching science easier
Need a quick and easy science demonstration to present to your class – one that doesn’t require a trip to the store? Check out the “Wiki Demos” under the EDUCATE tab on the DCI website, www.scidaho.org -- interesting experiments you can conduct with ordinary materials you probably already have around the house. From the “Bernoulli Ball Launcher” to “Screaming Balloons,” you’re sure to find something just right for your class. Each Wiki Demo includes a complete list of materials you’ll need, a simple explanation of the science behind what your students will see, and even “Health and Safety Tips” to be sure nothing goes awry. “Wiki Demos” is a work in progress, with space to provide your comments, so we would really appreciate your feedback.
Remember – field trip demonstrations are free through December!
Your students will get even more out of a Discovery Center field trip if it includes a demonstration – and “demos” are free through December. Each 20-minute demo is geared to state standards and the grade level of your class, and can be presented to up to 120 people. For September and October, DCI presents Simple Machines, with the beloved George the chimp, who needs levers and fulcrums and pulleys to get him moving. In November and December, the focus is on Matter & Molecules. To schedule a field trip and take advantage of a free demo, just call 343-9895, ext. 234, or email a.ch...@scidaho.org with your preferred date and time, and we’ll get right back to you.
“Science Saturdays” to the rescue
Do you have a student with a real passion for science, a “need-to-know” that you just don’t have time or resources to fill? Please suggest our “Science Saturdays” – intriguing half-day classes, each on a different science topic. The class schedule is on the website at www.scidaho.org, under EDUCATE, “Classes & Camps.” The year starts off with the exciting Boise ‘Bot Competition on October 8 – an event your robotics fans won’t want to miss!
Idaho Power grants honor educational excellence
Idaho Power’s “Powering Tomorrow” program will award multiple grants of up to $1500 each to tax-exempt organizations and schools within Idaho Power’s service area. Learn the details and tell your story at www.facebook.com/idahopower. Your school could be among the grant recipients!
Bring science right to your school with an Outreach event
To arrange for a dynamic show or activity to be presented at your building, just call our Outreach Coordinator, Tori Powers, at 343-9895, ext. 227, or email t.po...@scidaho.org.