Family Science Workshops
Family Science Workshops Conducted By Dr. Diana Wehrell-Grabowski
Dr. Wehrell-Grabowski’s Family Science Workshops are educational, enlightening, and exciting. Participants are actively engaged in hands-on science explorations throughout the
entire workshop. Diana has provided over 100 Family Science Workshops reaching over 5,000 families. Family science workshops allow parents and children to actively explore science concepts together via a hands-on-minds-on, inquiry-based approach. Workshops are 2 hours in length, and available on weeknights and weekends. In addition, school districts can hire Diana to conduct lengthier professional staff development Family Science Workshops to train teachers, administrators, and parents to conduct family science workshops within their own schools and districts aka “Train the Trainers.” Schools and organizations may also choose to have Diana conduct Family Science Workshops for parents only.
The design of Diana’s Family Science Workshops are based on her Ph.D. research conducted at Florida Institute of Technology, where she received a Ph.D. in Science Education in 1994. Diana trained 7 teams of teachers to conduct a six-week intensive physical science Family Science program that was carried out throughout the state of Florida. Over 150 families participated in the study. The results of the study were very positive, and all the families involved in the research project thoroughly enjoyed their learning experiences.
All of the Family Science Workshops:
- Are standards-based (regional and national)
- Are inquiry-based
- Involve active hands-on-minds-on participation by all participants.
- Use simple, inexpensive, and readily available materials.
- Help to strengthen school and community relations.
The following Family Science Workshops are available nationwide.
Families Exploring The Nature of Matter via Kitchen Chemistry Explorations
During this family science workshop participants will be introduced to the basics of The Nature of Matter through exciting and somewhat messy, yet fun explorations. Participants will explore states of matter, phase changes, mixtures and solutions, and more. Appropriate for 3rd grade through high school students. Explorations and concepts vary according to grade-level of student participants.
Families Investigating Physical Science Concepts Together
During this family science workshop participants will explore energy, light, sound, force and motion concepts by conducting a wide-array of hands-on-minds-on explorations. Appropriate for 3rd grade through high school students. Explorations and concepts vary according to grade-level of student participants.
Families Exploring The Seas Together
During this family science workshop participants will explore all aspects of oceans, seas, shorelines, and estuaries through a wide-array of hands-on-minds-on explorations. This workshop also covers earth science concepts. Appropriate for all grade levels. Explorations and concepts vary according to grade-level of student participants.
Families Exploring Life and Environmental Science Concepts Together
During this family science workshop participants will explore all aspects of the Processes of Life and How Things Interact With their Environment through exciting and thought-provoking hands-on explorations. Covers plant and animal kingdom concepts as well as environmental education concepts. Appropriate for all grade levels. Explorations and concepts vary according to grade-level of student participants.
Families Exploring Science Concepts Through Literature Together
During this family science workshop participants will expand their science content knowledge by conducting hands-on explorations that are directly correlated to science themes presented in the non-fiction and fictional books used during the workshop. Dr. Diana uses well-known and respected literary authors titles during all workshops. Titles will vary according to grade-level of participants. Workshop covers all science standards as well as benchmarks across the disciplines. Appropriates for all grade levels. Suggested grouping of grade levels (K-2, 3-5, and 6-8 grade). Concepts and explorations will vary according to grade-level of student participants.
Families Investigating The Science In Art Together
During this family science workshop participants will explore the integration of art and science via exciting and thought provoking hands-on explorations. Concepts to be covered include: light waves, nature of matter, life science, mathematics, and art. Concepts and explorations will vary according to grade level. This workshop makes connections across the disciplines. Appropriate for all grade levels.
Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test (FCAT ) Science For Families
During this family science workshop specifically designed for Florida students’ and their parents. Participants will be introduced to science concepts covering all The Florida Sunshine State Science Standards to include the 4 Bodies of Knowledge (Nature of Science, Earth and Space Science, Physical Science, and Life Science concepts), and The 18 Big Ideas. Participants will conduct numerous hands-on explorations which help to reinforce concepts presented on The Florida Comprehensive Test. This workshop is appropriate for grade levels that are given the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test (3-5, middle school- high school). All explorations help to develop critical thinking skills as well as recording (writing) observations via journals. This workshop is appropriate for grade levels that are given the FCAT (3-5, middle school, and high school students).
To View And Download Family Science Workshop PDF Brochure Click Here.
The National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) believes the involvement of parents and other caregivers in their children’s learning is crucial to their children’s interest in and ability to learn science. To read NSTA Position Statement on Parent Involvement in Science Learning see the link below.
