Whatâs better than reading about a worm? Touching it with your own fingertips of course! Any administrator who has visited a science class and watched eager students huddle around an experiment can attest to the importance of hands-on learning. And thatâs why we love this free guide from the Smithsonianâbecause it helps school leaders ensure that students get to âfocus on the stuff.âÂ
What is âthe stuffâ?
Learning experts describe âthe stuffâ as hands-on, student-led, and interactive learning experiences. Digital learning has enhanced science exploration in many ways, but learning can only be deepened with the skills that come from close observation by the senses. When you combine digital tools with hands-on activities, thatâs when learning really comes aliveâand sticks!
And itâs not just science scores that get a boost from student-led, interactive learning that happens in science class.
âWe now have evidence from state-level reading and math tests that, for students who receive ⊠hands-on multimodal learning, their math and reading scores go up,â says Smithsonian Science Education Center Director Carol OâDonnell.
Whatâs inside the guide?
Inside the guide, youâll find carefully curated resources from the Smithsonian, including tips for increasing science, math, and reading scores through hands-on, student-led, and interactive learning experiences. Plus youâll get access to a TEDx Talk by Carol OâDonnell from the Smithsonian.
Curious to learn moreâincluding how to align experiential learning projects with state standards? Click the button below to get your free guide.Â