The intent of all Launch Zone Hands-On Science workshops is to give students the chance to experience scientific phenomena in action, discover how they play a role in every day life, and explore ways to harness and use them.
Workshops either conclude with the construction of a project related to the topics discussed, or an opportunity for the students to experiment with the demos that are used.
Household or common materials are used whenever possible for projects and demos. I do this to encourage the student’s resourcefulness and creativity in the pursuit of learning outside of the classroom.
Group sizes ranging from 15-25 children are preferred to encourage interaction and participation. However, presentations for much larger groups are also possible.
Individual workshop sessions generally range from 1.5 to 2 hrs. However, they can also be easily adjusted to fit within available class schedules.
Workshops may be scheduled individually or over a number of weeks to cover a course or subject area. The latter is particularly effective for developing a flow of inquiry and relating scientific concepts. (Refer to Topics and Standards for a course and subject area overview.)
Flexible Format
Workshops are designed to excite and involve all grade levels. Subject matter and presentation style is adjusted to be age and grade appropriate. However, the science involved is especially appreciated by students between Kindergarten and 8th grade.
As the creator of these workshops, I strive to work as closely with schools as possible to complement and emphasize concepts the students are learning in class and standards they aim to master.
A complete list of workshop descriptions, topics, and applicable standards can be downloaded here:
K-5th Grades
5th-8th Grades
Scheduling and Costs
Please call or e-mail us for pricing and availability
Workshop topics range from Aircraft Design to Outdoor Survival, from Living Machines and Reactive Foods to Natural Forces and Electronic Memory. But the primary categories are as follows:
- Biology and Ecology
- Chemistry and State Change
- Earth and Space
- Electricity to Robotics
- Flight and Physics
- Light, Sound, and Energy
- Structures and Mechanics
- Science Matters
A complete list of workshop descriptions, topics, and applicable standards can be downloaded here: 1st-5th Grades, 5th-8th Grades.
The overarching objectives for all workshops are listed below:
(CCSD are Cobb County School District standards)
- Communication, Teamwork, and Interactive skills
- (CCSD: S7CS6, S5CS5, S3CS4, S2CS3,4,5)
- Tools, Materials, Measurement, Safety, and Hands-On skills
- (CCSD: S8.2.4, S8.1.3, S7CS2,4, S6CS2,4, S5CS3, S2CS3, T.S7CS.1, T.S6CS4, T.S6CS9.32)
- Research, Analysis, Estimation, and Critical-Thinking skills
- (CCSD: S7CS3,5, S6CS5, S5CS4, S3CS4, S3CS2, S2CS2, T.S7CS7.27,28)
- Inspiration through observation and inquiry. Understanding through scientific methods and collaboration
- (CCSD: S7CS9, S7CS8c, S7CS1,2,3,4,5, S6CS9b, S2CS7b, S2CS1a)