Science

Most adult Americans are not scientifically literate. One research poll stated that one-half the public did not know that the earth revolves around the sun once a year. Assessment of educational progress shows a downward trend in science achievement scores. Scientist, educators, and business people all agree that the traditional approach to science education has not worked. Thus, a redesign of science education is needed so that it begins in Kindergarten and continues uninterrupted through grade twelve. The redesign also calls for hands-on activities which involve problem solving. This critical issue of improving science education is met in the Know-Zone Headquarters.

The Know-Zone Headquarters is Trinity Presbyterian School's elementary science lab. This classroom was designed so that students could participate in hands-on and minds-on activities. For the activities to be effective, they are linked to specific science concepts and allow time for discussion. The physical arrangement of six tables with four to five students per table encourages cooperative learning. For example, groups may be discovering how to set up a series of circuit. Through the hands-on and minds-on approach, not only will the students remember the scientific concept, they will be learning the scientific processes. This approach encourages teachers and students to go beyond the textbook. The study of science enriches people's lives. It can open minds to a new appreciation of the beauty and precision that surrounds them. Through the asking of open-ended science questions, students and teachers will be liberated to ask more questions and thus set about finding new answers. Thus, a major goal of science is attained.

The objectives of the Know-Zone Headquarters are:

• To offer positive laboratory experiences through activity-oriented lessons.
• To increase emphasis on the basic, causal, and experimental processes of science.
• To teach scientific and technological concepts using problem solving processes.
• To develop the scientific attitudes of curiosity, willingness to suspend judgment, skepticism, objectivity, and a positive approach to failure.

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