Science should be in child’s life once they reach Kindergarten. But I know with how funding works, science isn’t a part of a child’s education until middle school.
With Science being perhaps one of the most difficult subjects in school, this can often mean that not every student is able to take as much science as they might wish. They most likely do earth sciences and geology, and some basic biology, but physics and chemistry are often out of reach.
For me, I was one of those students. I struggled with science. I was A/B student until I got my first C. That was in science, and I was in the 4th grade.
It was difficult for me to grasp certain concepts because I needed hands-on learning experiences, and just a variety of ways to learn.
Part of a good science education is lab work and being able to have hands-on experiences, as well as learning safety techniques. And for a female, student of color, science could have been my gateway to applying cross-curricular concepts to math, health and even P.E. But instead, I chopped up science as difficult and not fun, so I tuned out. Crazy, right?!
So what can teachers do to reach more, students in science? Especially, in an informal way and fun way for all?
One simple way to reach more students and get them involved in science early, is to start a club.
In my teaching career, I advised a few clubs: A fitness, STEP, newspaper, and lunch-buddy clubs. This was a great way for me to meet students that I don’t teach in my regular teaching day, as well as see my students outside of the formal classroom structure. So supervising a club is a great relationship building strategy for you and your students.
Why a Science Club?
A science club is an informal way to make science fun and fascinating, especially when taught properly.
The academic benefits are already clear. For students, they might also get to meet new students, and try new applications to prepare them for science in the higher grades. And for those older students, a science club will always look good on their resume and college application.
Most importantly, a science club can generate a fun and interesting way to learn about science without all the formal assessments.
Steps to a New Science Club
1. Brainstorm what type of club it will be
Will it be open to the whole school, or certain grades? Will it meet at lunchtime, or before or after school? Will you need to break the club into a morning or afternoon group?
2. Decide on a focus
It could be a club about the environment and climate chance, astronomy, or whatever else the students and supervising teacher are enthusiastic about. But make sure the focus is developed based all on student input.
3. Make a list of projects you would like to work on as a club, or in small groups
Examples of environmental projects might include adopting a local park, keeping it clean, and growing a garden. Zoological projects might include research on a particular animal, field trips to zoos, bird watching and so on.
4. Make a list of the people leading the club
In addition to the supervising teacher/or in some cases an adult volunteer, it would be helpful to have a president, vice president, treasurer and secretary to keep things running smoothly. Sometime this is needed for Associated Student Body purposes.
5. Ask permission from the school to hold the club
Many schools allow teachers to use their own initiative. However, some schools have a more formula process for club approval that will need to be followed. Always check with administration before getting students ramped up about starting a club.
6. Write rules and regulations for the club
This will ensure everyone is on the same page. They know if they break these simple rules, they will no longer be welcome in the club. You will also need to make a permission slip for students to give to their parents or guardians, that has teacher contact and classroom info. This way, parents know where their child as and how to get in touch with the supervising teacher if needed.
7. Make a list of safety rules and regulations
These will usually be similar to what a science teacher would give out to their class in relation to lab work, but again, it is important to keep an eye on safety issues in school at all times.
8. Work out funding and a budget
In many cases, students might be able to use equipment that is already in school. However, they might have to replace used-up materials. All of this can throw a department budget out of kilter. Some schools have discretionary funding for school clubs and activities.
Otherwise, students might be able to fund-raise (if allowed) for what they need, buy their own supplies, and/or pay a small monthly fee for materials. The teacher and club treasurer will need to keep an eye on the budget.
9. Set goals for the club
It is great to get together and enjoy science, but more might be learned and accomplished if the group sets a goal each term of things they wish to accomplish.
10. Start out with quick, fun activities for the club
Plan a few fun activities that will get people interested. Simple science experiments using common household items are always popular.
11. Spread the word about the club
Chances are students will invite their friends, but there shouldn’t be any cliques in the club, or potential bullying situations. Get the word out in the daily school announcements or newsletters home, and make flyers to put up around the school. If you are the teacher in the school, the best way is to tell your students!
12. Keep the club alive
After all the hard work of setting up, don’t let things slide. Encourage new members, activities and projects to keep students interested in science.
Final Thoughts
A science club can get students really passionate about science. A can possibly lead to the start of a great career in one of the many science-based professions.
Do you have a science club at your school? Share in the comments, what was it like, and how it got started?
Thinking about starting an interactive science notebook? Check out my tips here: at should you start an interactive notebook!