In September 2013, Sand Lake Elementary school in Orlando, Florida incorporated a Mystery Science Night for a few hours one evening after school. They invited teachers, parents and students to partake in a crime investigation and the students had to use what they have learned in science class to solve the crime.
The science concepts were kept to a broad level of understanding, so that all the children could participate equally. The goal for this event at Sand Lake Elementary was “for the families to explore the scientific method by conducting experiments, making observations, recording information, and predicting and outcome.” At this particular event at Sand Lake Elementary, students became crime scene investigators as they studied shoeprints, took fingerprints, and determined whether suspects’ alibis checked out.
According to the Sand Lake Elementary PTO, almost 250 people participated in their annual Mystery Science Night. Among those numbers were about 34 percent of the student body, 60 volunteers, parents, and teachers. Mystery Science Night engages families in science and it shows students how to use science in a practical way.
Consider incorporating your own Mystery Science Night at your school this upcoming school year!
Learn how you can have Family Science Nights at your home or at your school by clicking here:
http://sciencemadefunwnc.net/contact_us.cfm