Scientific exploration in the classroom

Many people, even teachers, have a misconception about science. It is therefore difficult to want to teach a subject with which they are uncomfortable. However, the sciences amaze young and old alike.

Former teacher Martin Brouillard founded the company les Atomic neurons with which he wishes to restore the taste of science to teachers. He led a workshop as part of the 24^e AQEP congress recently in Quebec.

For the science communicator, science education is broader than just performing an experiment. “To do science is to observe the world around us and to ask questions. It is questioning the environment and getting organized so that it responds to us. To get there, you have to establish a protocol, an approach, ”he says.

Eight scientific activities

Most of the teachers present at the workshop are aware that science is a lever for reading, writing and counting. However, they feel helpless in the face of their lack of training and the shortage of equipment. During the workshop, they were able to discover eight new experiences that are simple and require little material and leave with a guide allowing them to reproduce the experiences in the classroom.

Can you float plasticine? Can you extinguish a candle hidden behind a bottle? Can an acidic product be neutralized with a basic solution? Can we reproduce the functioning of the eye? Here are some questions that workshop participants tried to answer.

Even before starting the experiment, teachers were already thinking about how to carry out these experiments in their classes. The following minutes proved that no matter what age, science always amazes. Like their students, the teachers asked themselves questions, were proud of their successes or even disappointed in their failures, were surprised by the results… and caused damage!

By putting teachers in the place of their students, Martin Brouillard wanted to make them understand that they should not put their fears on the backs of the students and that it is not necessary to know everything to do science. It is enough to be a guide and to accompany the children in their reflections. Teachers from the same school also benefit from working together to find out what experiences will be carried out each year and allow children to progress better.

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