Tips for
Success

Even though the scientists all teach to a wide variety of audiences, many of them are inexperienced with K-12 students. There are several practical suggestions that follow from this circumstance.

1. Be sure to communicate with the scientist before his/her visitation so that you can discuss a lesson plan that is applicable to the material previously taught in the classroom. The students are more likely to follow along if they have some background information.

2. It is often helpful to assess the resources available in the classroom and to discuss this with your scientist if more resources are needed. It is possible that the scientist may be able to bring along any additional supplies.

3. It may be helpful to familiarize yourself with the scientist’s demonstrations, even if it requires some training in advance. Students will benefit from the experience much more if you remain involved throughout all of the presentation and can reinforce the material at a later date.

4. Remember, the purpose of inviting a scientist to your classroom is to allow students the chance to see how real science is done, not to have a substitute teacher. Remain active throughout the presentation.

5. Evaluation is a key integral to the success of continued partnerships. Find out what’s working and keep it. Find out what’s not working and change it.

Adapted from: Robertston, W. C. (2001). Community connections for science education: Building successful partnerships. Washington, D.C.: National Science Teachers Association Press.