GET REAL! Science Strand

The Get Real! science strand will model and reinforce positive attitudes towards,and involve in, science and technology. It will seek to affirm for children the value of their ideas, and the importance of asking Why? It will tell stories about kids involved in science-related activities (such as science camps, inventors' fairs and wildlife rehabilitation programs), and connect science concepts to children's known experiences and activities. These ideas are basic to constructivism-that people grow based on what they already understand, adding levels of knowledge-and are central to Get Real! It will enforce viewers' active connection to the science content by making suggestions for projects to get involved with, and by encouraging children to discuss and question their knowledge of science and the world around them. We will also direct students to appropriate informal science education organizations (such as science centers and zoos) and to their teachers, for further discussion and information. (Teachers guides will be developed as part of this project.)