Mobile Science Show
Bringing Quality Science to Colorado's Students
Who Are We?
Successful high school chemistry teacher Sue Anne Berger created the
Mobile Science Show (MSS) at the Colorado School of Mines in 1991
after receiving the national Presidential Award for Excellence in
Science Teaching. The program is designed to enrich science education
in grades K-9 throughout the state of Colorado by presenting science
shows at schools, summer teacher workshops, and providing materials
and lessons plans for teachers to take back to their classrooms. The
program and program director, Ms. Berger, have received local and
national attention including: The Presidential Award for Excellence in
Science Teaching in 1990, the STAR (Science & Technology Are
Rewarding) from the Medtronic Foundation in 1997, the Colorado Teacher
of the Year Award in 1996, and The A+ for Breaking the Mold, America
2000 from the U.S. Department of Education in 1992.
Programs
The MSS has combined its three-prong approach to science
instruction into one comprehensive, effective program for metro area
schools. The MSS program director, Sue Berger, and her qualified
assistant visit each school to present Student Science Shows tailored
to the age of the audience. During the school day, up to three
assembly-style shows are presented to grade level groups. Science
Shows are interactive, integrate scientific terminology and emphasize
the scientific method in an age appropriate manner. Student Science
Shows are designed to create excitement about learning science.
During the summer following the Student Science Shows, two teachers
from each participating school attend a five-day Teacher Workshop on
the School of Mines Campus. During the Teacher Workshops the teachers
learn effective ways to integrate science into everyday instruction.
Teachers participate in hands-on physical science demonstrations and
experiment-oriented curriculum. Summer Workshop participants are
asked to share favorite lesson plans, providing an opportunity for
teachers to connect with one another, promoting effective networking
and idea sharing. At the end of the Workshop, teachers are provided
with KITS (Kids Introduced to Science) to take back for use in their
schools. Sample KIT packages cover the topics of Motion and
Measurement, Solids and Liquids, Water, Electricity, Environment,
Light and Design, Hot Air Balloons and Cartesian Divers. KITS include
all the materials needed to replicate experiments in the classrooms
and classroom training on related materials. The teachers who attend
the Summer Workshops return to their schools in the fall and are
responsible for holding in-service training for the remaining school
staff. Program Director, Sue Berger, will be on hand to assist during
the in-service training sessions.
All MSS programs integrate classroom instruction, hands-on physical
science demonstrations, and experiment-oriented curriculum, aligned
with national, state, and local standards in science.
To obtain more information about the The Mobile Science Show contact:
Sue Anne Berger, Director
The Mobile Science Show
Colorado School of Mines
Golden, CO 80401
303.384.2414 (VM) at CSM
sberger@mines.edu
Funding from the Daniels Fund, The Denver Foundation, Kinder-Morgan Foundation,
Jefferson Foundation, Shell Oil Company