Rush Creek Elementary Hosts Science Museum of Minnesota
Rush Creek Elementary students didn’t take a trip to the Science Museum of Minnesota. Instead, the museum came to them.
“It cuts down on the cost of having to travel to St. Paul and then the timing on that so it’s really convenient having them come (to Rush Creek),” says fourth-grade teacher Mary Ann Weiland.
Museum instructors led experiments, teaching kids about the engineering process.
Fourth graders at Rush Creek Elementary conduct an experiment during a visit from Science Museum of Minnesota instructors.
“It’s a process we use in more than just engineering. To ask questions, imagine, plan, create, test and improve,” said Jane Groenert, an instructor with the Science Museum of Minnesota.
Teachers say hands on learning like this is engaging and empowering for all students.
“Not everybody can read from a text and then respond in kind of the old-fashioned way of teaching, but rather to get up and do it and use their creative thinking skills,” said Weiland.
Weiland says Rush Creek’s aim is to always provide a learning environment that’s “different each day,” so kids stay excited about learning. The smiles and applause and “oohs” and “aahs” from students during the experiments show that effort is working.
“They didn’t take anything home except for the experience,” said Weiland, “which is sometimes more important than a physical something.”
