Hands-on science learning

There is certainly more to the story of the apple which fell on Sir Isaac Newton's head while he was reading a book under a tree. But while the scientific formulas of gravity fall within the remit of phsyics and advanced scientific subjects, nothing precludes children from becoming aware of how gravity works.

Anton Farrugia, Education Officer for Science and Technology, believes that it is important for children to understand how certain things work from an early age. Science surrounds us and is an integral part of our lives, so it is only natural for children to start questioning and investigating.

"Although learning the basics of science is important - especially from a very early age - our aim is to take advantage of enquiry-based learning to foster certain skills in a child, such as observation, investigation and prediction. Such skills accompany the child throughout adult life."

One setting which gives children and students the space where to observe, investigate and learn about scientific elements which they can also encounter in their daily lives is the Science Centre in Pembroke. The centre currently hosts a team of Primary Science and Technology peripatetic teachers, as well as the respective EOs for Science and Technology at primary level, and Physics, Chemistry and Biology at secondary level. Hands-on activities and fieldworks are organised for primary schoolchildren attending State and non-State schools almost every month at the centre, which forms part of the Curriculum Management and eLearning Department within the Directorate for Quality and Standards in Education.

Mr Farrugia and his team of 22 peripatetic teachers are currently hosting a hands-on scientific activity for Year 5 and 6 students to celebrate Sir Isaac Newton's discoveries, which is not limited to the discovery of gravity but extends to the laws of motion and force.

The science teachers have translated Newton's theories and simplified his discoveries in a way the children can understand and relate to everyday things. The teachers have also constructed simple experiments to prove the theories.

Frieda Grima, a science teacher responsible for the Science Centre activities which are organised throughout the scholastic year, explained how the simple experiments can transform a normal lesson into a fun activity with plenty of valuable lessons the children can take back to the classroom and home.

It is through these simple experiments that a large number of schoolchildren who have already visited the centre this month have learned how rainbows are formed through the use of a projector and a large prism, the concept of inertia through the use of marbles and building blocks, and the laws of motion through tugs-of-war among the children.

Mr Farrugia said that their class teachers also take lesson handouts back with them prepared by peripatetic teachers as follow-ups for future lessons.

"Peripatetic teachers and class teachers work hand-in-hand to build up on topics which are part of the curriculum. Our teachers also serve as support to the class teachers whenever the latter need lesson ideas, additional material or apparatus, and additional information on particular topics."

Mr Farrugia explained how some class teachers are often afraid of teaching certain science topics to their students, especially when the students are in the late primary years.

"The difficulty is only apparent, and emanates from a fear of being taken unawares by a student's question. But apart from the fact that the class teacher can always challenge the other students to find an answer, our peripatetic teachers can offer additional support to the class teachers when such difficulties arise."

Mr Farrugia also explained how scientific concepts need to be introduced through other subjects. For example, during an art lesson children can learn how to mix colours, but can also learn that a chemical process is involved in the mixing. Similarly, a lesson on the different sounds of instruments during a music lesson could also refer to the scientific concept of sound waves.

Ms Grima explained the various activities the Science Centre organised during the past scholastic year. She estimated that around 9,000 students attended the centre last year, which meant that almost every primary school paid at least one visit to the centre.

"The centre can host up to 120 students at one go for every hands-on activity, which considerablly raises the chance for more students to attend. Among the many activities were Ix-Xjenza ma' l-Ewro, which helped students familiarise themselves with the Euro through a scientific twist; Sensational Science, which through setting of a typical village festa the students learned how the five senses and illusions can help us gather information on what goes on around us; and The Little Scientists' Village, which took place in the world of toys at the Playmobil Funpark, during which the children discussed animals and their habitats and investigated the world of forces.

"Another activity was Under Pressure, during which, among other workshops, the Addams family linked drama with science in helping children and older students understand the simple science concept behind pressure. And finally, in Home Sci Home organised in Gozo - what was perhaps one of the most popular activities - students from state and non-state primary schools as well as the public took part in hands-on experiments related to various areas within the home."

The team is now preparing for a new activity which will have a "pirates" theme. The activity is expected to take place in March. Meanwhile, the Sir Isaac Newton activity runs during this month and until the end of January.