1. Creating a Successful Family Science Night “STEAM Ahead to Family Science Night” Sara Harris and Nadine Hinton The Wellington School

2. NSTA Position Paper 2009 Parent Involvement in Science Learning “…involvement of parents and other caregivers in their children’s learning is crucial to their children’s interest and ability to learn science.”

3. NSTA Position Paper 2009 Parent Involvement in Science Learning “…the more intensely parents are involved, the more confident and engaged their children are as learners and more beneficial the effects on their achievement.”

4. NSTA Position Paper 2009 Parent Involvement in Science Learning “…when parents play an active role, their children achieve greater success as learners, regardless of socioeconomic status, ethnic/racial background, or the parents’ own level of education.”

5. NSTA Position Paper 2009 Parent Involvement in Science Learning Stem activities involve adult-child engagement that demonstrates to the adults the importance of hands-on experience

6. How Did We Begin? Goals – Acquaint parents with science curriculum? – A social event? – Provide information about science-related programs and resources in the community? – Adult-child engagement in STEAM activities that demonstrate to the adults the importance of hands-on experience?

7. Our Goals Demonstrate to parents how parents can work with children to make science a family affair Excite children and parents about the possibilities in Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math

8. Preparation Form committee and schedule meeting times Schedule the date – Check the entire school calendar and plan well in advance Schedule an alternative date Consider outside events Identify possible activities and presenters and contact them early

9. Tasks for the Committee in Advance Recruit presenters and meet with every presenter to create summary and EQs Schedule presentations and room assignments Identify equipment needed for each session

10. Tasks for the Committee Name tags for presenters and guests Sign-in table Advertising handouts Photocopy activity materials Prepare and publish the program Signage throughout the school At end of evening, provide additional resources

11. Where Did We Find Help? Parents Outside sources such as Metro School, OSU EcoCAR Teachers from lower school, middle school, and upper school

12. Enduring Understandings Knowledge about Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math can be combined to help us learn about the world around us. We can use our knowledge about Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math to solve problems.

13. Essential Questions Each activity included a display of an Essential Question that was child-friendly. – Garbology: Ever wonder what actually goes into your trash can at school?

14. What Were the Pitfalls? The timing is difficult for very young children who were tired. What to put opposite a high-draw session?

15. What Worked? ALL STUDENTS MUST COME WITH AN ADULT Leave them wanting more!

16. Contacts harris@wellington.org hinton@wellington.org