Great Explorations in Math and Science
GEMS News Flash
A new pilot project is being tested in Shasta County. Early Childhood Science (ECS) revolves around colorful tote bags filled with goodies such as rubber ants, illustrated books, and instructions for hands-on activities for children ages three to five. The program is a playful way to build understanding of basic science concepts in young children.
Themes for the totes include Ants; Tree Homes and Animals; Eggs Everywhere; and Penguins. These fun science-centered tote bags are designed to be explored a... More Info
GEMS – Great Explorations in Math and Science
GEMS is an innovative science and math curriculum developed at the Lawrence Hall of Science, the public science education center at the University of California at Berkeley. Tested in thousands of classrooms nationwide, over 70 GEMS teacher's guides and handbooks offer a wide range of inquiry-based learning experiences for preschool through eighth grade.
Captivating the imagination of students by challenging them is a strong emphasis of the GEMS approach. Students come away feeling that they can be successful at math and science.
Redding has one of only 12 GEMS sites and centers in California. In 2002, with help from McConnell Foundation funding, Turtle Bay Exploration Park was established as a GEMS center, allowing North State teachers access to cutting-edge teaching materials and intensive workshops presented by the staff of LHS and local teachers who have become GEMS-trained associates.
GEMS activities engage students in direct experience and experimentation to introduce essential, standards-based principles and concepts. Clear step-by-step instructions enable all teachers to be successful presenting the activities. GEMS units offer effective, practical, and economical ways to provide high-quality science and math learning to all students. Most materials needed for GEMS units are everyday items that can be either collected or purchased inexpensively.
Captivating the imagination of students by challenging them is a strong emphasis of the GEMS approach. Students come away feeling that they can be successful at math and science. High student interest increases the quality of their learning and the likelihood that they will continue to study science.