Students in EDU 312 taught an inquiry science camp at the Burlington YMCA during Alamance-Burlington School System's spring break.
Through a partnership with the Burlington YMCA, sophomore and junior elementary and special education majors planned and taught inquiry science lessons using a 3 E format – Engage, Explore, and Explain during the Alamance-Burlington School System spring break held April 5-9.
“The science camp was a great opportunity to put the skills we’ve discussed in our math and science methods course to use,” said Amanda Rubeo ’23, a special education major. “While I was nervous to plan and teach a lesson to a group of students I didn’t know, the science camp was a great simulation of a typical classroom. My experience at the camp reignited the passion I have for teaching, and taught me the importance of engaging my students in meaningful discourse. It was overall such an amazing experience!”
Funding from a CATL Mini-Grant made it possible to purchase all materials needed to supply each student with their own supplies, in an effort to maintain sanitary measures. The students used the N.C. Essential Standards for Science to plan this two-day experience.
“I would say it was a win for all involved – my students had practice unpacking, planning, and facilitating hands on-minds on science instruction, while the elementary students got to engage in science practices,” said Erin Hone, instructor of EDU 312: Principles of Learning and Teaching and lecturer in the Department of Education and Wellness.