A parent run science program at Mountain Park Elementary May 14, 2009

Agenda Overview of Science on a Cart (SOC) History of SOC Current Status of SOC Roles My Role Experiments Future of SOC Program

Overview of SOC Unique parent-driven science program Collaborative effort between parents, teachers and administration SOC experiments correlate with classroom science lessons

History of SOC Evolved in response to a lack of space for science experiments about 10 years ago Parents wanted more hands-on science activity to supplement reading and teaching of subjects Budget was set at $150 per month ($50 per grade) based on past years

Current Status of SOC Program revamped this year Experiments needed to be “refreshed” and better follow lessons after years of status quo New Principal interested in program Georgia Tech scientist / parent stepped up with ideas Teacher received grant from Emory Parent willing to coordinate efforts First, Second and Third grades have one experiment once a month for 5 months (September, October, January, February, March)

Roles School Curriculum Support Teacher PTA Curriculum Chair Overall SOC Coordinator Grade-level Coordinators Parent Volunteers

My Role Overall SOC Coordinator Edited lessons Worked with school administrator to ensure lessons met GA performance standards Purchased supplies Setup carts Communicated with grade-level parent volunteers Trained parent volunteers Stepped in to do lesson when parent no-show

Experiments First Grade: Cloud in a bottle, Light / Shadows, Sound, Dental Health, Pollination Second Grade: Astronomy, Germs, Matter, Light, Nutrition Third Grade: Magnets, Rocks, Habitats, Heat

Future of SOC Program Continue to use this year’s experiments for First, Second and Third grades Add Kindergarten and Fourth Grades experiments – entirely new Add a coordinator for each grade instead of one overall coordinator

Summary Well-regarded program that kids love! “Science on a cart is my favorite science lesson of the month” Teachers in other grades are asking for it Needs to continue to evolve to best suit the science curriculum