What are bouncing balls, clay boats, batteries, bulbs, and bones and skeletons doing in the Curriculum Materials and Children's Literature Section of Suzzallo Library? They are part of the Insights program, an inquiry-based, hands-on elementary science curriculum designed to develop children's understanding of key science concepts. The $11,000 Seaver Foundation grant funds the Insights kits and some student staffing.
Molecular Biotechnology Scientist Roger Bumgarner, administrator of the grant, believes this inquiry-based method develops children's ability to think critically, encourages cooperative learning and stimulates creative problem solving. Three Saturday morning workshops conducted by a scientist and an experienced elementary teacher were held to train teachers and parents in the use of the kits.
Teachers, parents or others with a UW borrower's card may check out a tub full of equipment containing all the materials and a detailed guide for performing a series of experiments in the classroom. The kits are listed in the Libraries' online catalog. A school district considering purchasing kits can "try before it buys."
Loretta Lopez, head, Curriculum Materials is the library liaison. For information on the kits, call 543- 2725 or e-mail lorey@u.washington.edu.
For information regarding elementary workshops, contact Valerie Logan by phone at 685-7304 or by e-mail at vlogan@u.washington.edu.