Educational Value of the Kit

Science teachers encourage this kit to be used to investigate and learn about topics through a hands-on use. Deeper and longer lasting learning will occur when the students are helped to discover and understand the scientific principles and concepts instead of being lectured. When students encounter and master a 'challenge', through the actual use of materials, following directions and trial and effort investigations, the knowledge and understanding is deeper and long lasting. This kit lends itself perfectly to these types of situations.

Let the students explain their discoveries to you and their peers. Upon completion of the labs, students will have developed an understanding of series and parallel circuit, and the operation of a switch. A better understanding of how batteries connected in series changes the electrical power to a lamp or motor. Parallel circuits will also be investigated so students will learn the basic concepts of these types of circuits. Additionally, students will use a solar cell to power the vehicle and a fan allowing students to learn and observe the conversion of light to electrical then mechanical energy.

Concepts such as these are introduced and continually reinforced using Seibun kits. Once the general nature of electricity and magnetism are understood, more detailed theory and mathematical manipulation can be introduced. Using this kit allows important concepts about forces, motion, electricity and magnetism to be introduced to students. It allows students to improve communication, comprehension and coordination skills as well as the satisfaction and enjoyment of completing a project. When the project is complete, the fruits of the labor will be seen and enjoyed as the vehicles race across the floor.

While constructing and investigating the Solar Sports Racer, writing and language skills may be practiced through the preparation of individual learning or reflection logs. The use of correct grammatical and report structure in preparing the logs will reinforce important communication skills while recording and learning the science and engineering concepts.

Measurement and math skills will be practiced as information is collected and reviewed. Conceptual development about the motion, forces and electricity and energy conversion are just a few of the topics students will learn as the kits is assembled and used to complete the experiments and investigations.

The Seibun kit is flexible in its use in learning about both science and engineering areas. One or more individual lessons may be covered in a day, with all the lessons covered in the space of several days. Or the kit may be used to investigate and explore a specific application and concepts then the kit set aside until later.

"One learns a thing by doing; for though you think you know it, you have no certainty until you try." Sophocles, Greek dramatist

  © www.seibunUSA.com