We are currently utilizing a Royal Ontario Museum EduKit (Conservation of Energy: Electricity) to foster some hands-on inquiry and to simply get our students excited about it. Special shout out to our generous Principal for footing the $150 bill for the 4-week rental of this cool kinesthetic kit. Thanks Rukshi!
There are 21 different activities from which to choose. We have just begun our explorations by using the "Visit a mini-museum!" activity. There are 8 replica artifacts--the kids especially loved the snow goggles--with accompanying info cards and a chart for students to fill out. After a teacher demo of how to fill out said chart, the small groups were given an object and had to determine the form and source of energy it created and try to determine a modern day equivalent object. Some interesting discussions were heard amidst the buzz of excitement.
There are 21 different activities from which to choose. We have just begun our explorations by using the "Visit a mini-museum!" activity. There are 8 replica artifacts--the kids especially loved the snow goggles--with accompanying info cards and a chart for students to fill out. After a teacher demo of how to fill out said chart, the small groups were given an object and had to determine the form and source of energy it created and try to determine a modern day equivalent object. Some interesting discussions were heard amidst the buzz of excitement.
If you are interested in checking out the many EduKits available, visit the ROM website http://www.rom.on.ca/en/learn/travelling-programs. You have to fill out an on-line order form to reserve a kit for specified dates, so make sure you know when you will require the kits.
We have another one coming in January for Social Studies called "Partners in the Wilderness" which is all about the fur trade. We will be bringing explorers, First Nations, and les Couers des bois to life! I can't wait.
Stay tuned for other activities from the ROM Electricity EduKit....
Laura