Why Family Science Nights?
Value to Children:
- Have “fun” doing science.
- Bring scientific learning to family unit.
- Encourage doing science at home with everyday materials.
- Spark children’s scientific interest by allowing them to manipulate objects and participate actively. Allows interaction with “practicing scientists.”
- Provides forum for presenters to share information about careers in science.
- Stimulates parents’ interest in science and their children’s science education.
- Research shows direct link between parental attitudes and student achievement.
- Builds connections between classroom science and the real world.
- Demonstrates life-long learning amongst parents.
Value to Parents:
- Provides an excellent opportunity for intellectual interaction with their children.
- Increases parents’ scientific interest and knowledge.
Value to the University
- Benefits University students.
- Brings University presence into local schools—promotes goodwill in local communities.
- Increase future enrollment?!?
Value to University Students:
- Rewarding experience
- Enhanced employability
- Encourages professional responsibility to help create scientifically-informed citizenry.
- Provides opportunity to enhance communication skills—essential for successful careers in science and engineering.
- Provides opportunity for science, math, engineering & technology majors to discover pleasure of teaching K-12 students.
- Provides real-world "service learning" experience that demonstrates rewards of community involvement.
Value to Math & Science Center
- Enhances the scientific education of students that participate.
- Provides role models in science and mathematics-related careers for children.
- Highly visible program in community.
- Creates community advocates for improved science education.