WVPB to share Science U @home

Science isn’t just a subject, it’s a way of understanding the world around us.

West Virginia Public Broadcasting is working with Science-U @home, a program of Penn State Science Outreach in the Eberly College of Science and WPSU to bring awareness of this hands on family science program.   Science-U is dedicated to advancing science literacy in youth through the sharing and discovery of scientific knowledge. Our chief goals are to educate and inspire students, encourage critical thinking, and prepare them to become responsible, skilled and caring citizens, as well as capable scientists and teachers when faced with tomorrow’s challenges.

Not sure where to get started? – It’s easy!

Science U @home provides lots of hands on experiments for students in K and up, guiding you and your child scientist each step of the way.

1. VideoWatch the video to learn more about the experiment. (Most videos reveal the experiment results, so you may want to watch it first without your child. Watch it together after performing the experiment.)
2. You Will NeedA complete list of items you will need to accomplish this experiment is provided. A few experiments may require shopping or ordering items online, so you may need to plan ahead.
3. DirectionsStep-by-step directions for you to guide your child through each step of the experiment. Let them lead the way!
4. Discovery QuestionsAsk your child the discovery questions as you work through the experiment. The answers are provided, but encourage your child to think it through before giving them the explanation.
5. How it WorksThe science behind each experiment is fully explained.

6. Kid-friendly definitions for terms used in the experiment that might be unfamiliar.

Model Curiosity

How you view and talk about science influences your child’s attitudes toward science—and how he or she will approach learning science. Knowing the answer to your child’s question is not as important as your willingness to encourage their natural curiosity. Instead of “I don’t know, I was never good at science.” Try, “I’m not sure, let’s find out together!”

Encourage Questioning

Get your child talking about their ideas by asking open-ended questions such as: “What do you see?” “What do you think is happening?” “What do you think will happen next?” “How could we do it differently?” “Why is this important?” “What did you learn?” “What could we change?”

Make Observations

Learning to observe carefully is the basis of discovery. Point out things that you observe, and ask them what they see. Remind them, and yourself, to take time to use all five senses to make observations and discuss what you see.

Celebrate Mistakes

Mistakes are opportunities to learn new things! Encourage a growth-mindset by praising your child’s hard work, not their successes. Encourage them to keep working to overcome setbacks. Let them think through what they could do differently.

Summer is agreat time to start SCIENCE U @home!