Le Prof Le Prof - TEACH Magazine

C O M P U T E R
S EC RETS
Mind
OF THE
&
Hands-on Experiments for
S M A R T
K ID S : Discovering Life
by Alison Girling
Secrets of the Mind and Hands-on Experiments for kids were
produced in France for the home and educational markets there.
The versions under review have been translated into English,
but no doubt French language versions would be available for
schools with French language instruction.
Hands-On Experiments for Smart Kids is a charming
program. Sign in and a group of kids offer players
the opportunity to try out a wide range of science
experiments based on seemingly simple questions. Maria
is the “Discovery” guide, follow her to try, “As time goes
by,” “Sleight of hand,” “With giant steps or small steps,”
or “Making a soft landing.” Sylvester is the lad whose
experiments test properties of Water, and Louis is concerned
with Air. This program covers a broad range of scientific
areas including Physics, Biology, Chemistry,
Ecology, Matter, Oceanography, Health, Optics, Geology,
Mathematics, Electronics and Space. The diversity of disciplines
makes it an especially useful classroom resource
with the flexibility to add science experiments to any
number of primary and junior science curriculum units.
The experiments are well conceived. Equipment is easy
to find and inexpensive. No labs are needed. The skill sets
on the part of the students are rudimentary, guaranteeing
successful outcomes. What’s more, the texts that accompany
the experiments introduce the scientific principles
that have just been demonstrated. In some instances the
text provides a historic overview of a topic, looking at its
evolution and discussing future developments.
Every online, computer experiment is paired with a
“hands-on experiment.” “Sleight of Hand” examines the
sense of touch. We are taken to Sylvester’s bedroom; it is
time for Sylvester to go to bed. Children are asked to look
at the bedroom, then turn off the light and with their
computer mouse, guide Sylvester past the various pieces of
furniture to his bed. When a piece of furniture it bumped,
it is briefly illuminated on the screen. The experiment
makes one recall how difficult it is to find one’s way in the
dark. Bumping into objects gives us clues about our location.
Once Sylvester is safely in bed, the program’s narrator
explains that hands are used for touching. The sense of
touch calls on millions of sensors and preceptors on the
skin to send information to the brain through the nerves.
The brain makes an internal image of the object as it interprets
what was felt and identifies that object. There is a follow-up
discussion that looks at how the visually impaired
have a heightened sense of touch. The subject of “virtual”
simulated touching as a part of “virtual reality” is examined.
“Sleight of Hand’s” “Hands on experiment” is quite
down to earth. Instructors are asked to collect twenty
objects with a variety of shapes, textures and materials.
With a blindfold on, each child is given a turn to correctly
identify ten objects’ shapes, materials and name. A point
is scored for each correct answer.
In some instances students perform an experiment
twice; once in a computer simulation, the next time in the
classroom or home. The classic experiment “How do you
blow up a balloon without blowing?” is bound to be a hit.
Quantities of bicarbonate of soda are added to a bottle
holding vinegar. A balloon is stretched across the neck of
the bottle. This is a good introduction to the energy of
gases; it’s a lot of fun. Once again, the experiment is followed
by a good explanation of what has occurred. Teachers
can access these texts at any point in the program. The
texts can be saved or printed. As a follow-up exercise for
children there are rudimentary paint programs and word
processing programs for children to draw pictures or write
reports.
TEACH 9