//Teacher Resources
Introducing ExploraVision / Motivating Your TeamClassroom tips: Elementary / Middle and Junior High / High School
Introducing ExploraVision
Working with standards
ExploraVision offers a ready-made tool to put into practice many of the National Science Education Standards — particularly in the areas of "science and technology" and "science in personal and social perspectives." The competition is also an excellent way for students to learn how to work in collaborative learning groups on an interdisciplinary project.
Through the process of putting together an ExploraVision entry, students must apply knowledge gained from lessons in life science, physical science, and earth and space science. The experience will help your students understand:
- The importance of invention in history
- The scientific breakthroughs required to create an invention
- The gradual "building block" nature of scientific progress
- How science relies on the constant improvement of its technological tools in order to progress
- That all new technologies have both positive and negative impacts on our lives
All of these areas are covered in the science content standards.
Standards Goal |
ExploraVision Opportunity |
Moving towards performance-based assessments of science and problem-solving abilities |
ExploraVision requires that students work in teams, write, draw and present their conclusions. This work can assist your assessment of the students' learning. |
Engaging students in problem-solving and critical thinking activities |
Designing ExploraVision entries provides an excellent opportunity for inquiry-based learning. |
Teaching students responsibility for their own learning |
ExploraVision requires student commitment and initiative, challenging students to take an active role in their learning. |
Building strong communication skills |
ExploraVision provides multiple opportunities for students to communicate verbally and in writing, as well as through art and technology. |
Working in cooperative learning groups |
ExploraVision entries are put together by teams of 2–4 students who must work together effectively if they are to be successful. |
Stressing science is for all students |
ExploraVision is for all students, not just the more academically motivated. |
Encouraging interdisciplinary learning |
ExploraVision teams must use language arts, math and social studies skills in addition to science. |
Helping Students Participate in ExploraVision
Teacher roles will vary somewhat according to the age level of the student teams.
But whether your students are first graders or high school seniors, you will need to:
- Brainstorm — Encourage exploration and imagination. The sky's the limit!
- Assign Roles — Help students allocate team responsibilities according to skill sets, interest levels, etc. Try to match up students with complementary talents.
- Facilitate — Students will need help organizing teams, arranging for times to meet, finding outside resources, etc. You may also help the students with research, writing and grammar as appropriate to their grade level.
- Seek Assistance — You may wish to enlist the help of a mentor to work with your team(s). This can be another teacher in your school, a businessperson or a parent — virtually any adult who is willing to help.
- Provide Encouragement — Remind team members that their project is important and they are making progress. Being creative can be discouraging at times, and it helps to know that you think what they are doing is worthwhile.
- Challenge Your Team — Even the most motivated students need a creative push every now and then. Ask questions, send them on treasure hunts and wild goose chases and challenge them to rethink how they see the world.
- Provide Oversight — Don't let the team's hard work go to waste because their entry gets disqualified. Make sure that the students actually complete their entries and mail them on time. Go through the checklist with the team members to ensure rules and directions have been followed to the letter.
Keep in mind: As coach, you will be involved in all stages of the project, but the team provides all the imagination and legwork! Therefore, it's smart to make sure every member of your team is committed — and the parents are too.
