Mary Steiner's fourth-grade students at Dickinson Trinity Elementary West recently explored concepts of astronomy and outer space with the help of a Dickinson State University class.
The lesson plans were prepared by 20 DSU students who are enrolled in the science methods class for elementary education taught by Dr. Deborah M. DeMarey.
The two classes came together as the result of a discussion between the two teachers.
"I am always looking for new ideas for the sciences," said DeMarey.
Steiner invited DeMarey's students to her class for a first-hand teaching experience.
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The DSU class focuses on building lesson plans and theory in the classroom, but students need to work with children, said DeMarey.
"They need to infuse with the excitement of the classroom and to experience the challenges," she said.
DeMarey selected the sub-topics for presentation, and groups of four students pulled topics out of a hat. They chose the lesson plans and prepared the material for the presentations. The five stations included phases of the moon, the northern lights, rocketry, space landing devices and constellations.
For example, the rockets were propelled by compressed air, while the landing devices carried eggs that were dropped without breaking.
The DSU students will evaluate how well the presentations went on Monday.
The instructors will follow up the presentation with a return visit to the DSU science lab and greenhouse.
"Mary and I are hoping this is only the start. Twice a semester, we will have one activity at her school and one activity at ours," she said.
"Once engaged in a project like this, it's hard to stop. If a child grabs on to an idea they really like, they will find out more," she said.
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Steiner was pleased with the teaching exchange.
"They were so engaged in the learning process. Hands-on makes it more real. It was a win-win situation for both," she said.
"They (DSU students) realized if you do something they're interested in, you don't have behavior problems," she said. "Students were shooting rockets all over the playground."
