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Goal

With this grant, students will be given the opportunity to step outside our community into another place and time. They will enter the lives of inventors Thomas Edison and Henry Ford and relate the scientific concepts which they have been studying to real-life scientists who lived and breathed the scientific method. Students will also participate in interactive hands-on exhibits that will foster their interest in science and its practicality in everyday life.  

What will be done with my students

Students will visit the Edison/Ford Museum in order to learn first-hand about the scientific method, research, and invention process. At the museum, students will tour the Edison/Ford Estate & Museum, Edison Research Lab, and an interactive exhibit called “Sparklab”, where students will participate in various engineering challenges.

Prior to the trip, students will learn about the scientific method and invention process, they will research a particular scientist/inventor or they will conduct their own science fair experiment on a topic of their choosing. Students who choose to create a presentation on their inventor or conduct the science fair experiment, will be rewarded with a ticket to the field trip. Throughout their hard work, students will begin to learn what it means to be a scientist. Then, they will travel to the museum to further encourage their interest in science. When students return from the field trip experience, they will share what they have learned with the class. Throughout the remainder of the school year, students will think back to the field trip as they continue to learn new concepts about science and the scientific method in class.
 

Benefits to my students

According to research, field trip opportunities are quite valuable to students. In particular, science field trips “expose students to new experiences and can increase interest and engagement in science regardless of prior interest in a topic” (Kisiel, 2005; Bonderup Dohn, 2011). Students will visit the Thomas Edison and Henry Ford Museum and learn what it is like to be an inventor and to persevere through the challenges of many repeated trials and errors before having a successful invention prototype.

Moreover, studies have shown that science field trips are “experiences that can be recalled and useful long after a visit” (Salmi, 2003; Falk & Dierking, 1997; Wolins, Jensen, & Ulzheimer, 1992). Students will be further immersed in the scientific method, revisiting concepts such as the need for many trials, revisions, and constantly updating scientific thinking with new information. Students will also learn about various parts of the scientific method such as creating and testing a hypothesis and how to complete an experiment. Typically, students struggle with these concepts. However, with the opportunity to witness the life of two renound scientists, students will remember the concepts which tie in with the visit. The interactive exhibit, “Sparklab” will be a memorable experience for students to recall when they are learning about physical science and engineering later in the semester.

 

Budget Narrative

This will include the admission and cost to bus 80 total students to the Edison and Ford Winter Estates in Fort Myers, FL along with a small snack and drink for students before they get on the bus to return to the school. 

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