| |
| Classroom TV by Tim DeRoche, Education Week, October 22, 2003 |
With the ongoing hullabaloo about computers and their ability to transform
education, it's easy to forget that one old-fashioned technology is still vastly underutilized —
and often misused — as a classroom aid... It would be foolish not to recognize the power of a dramatic
TV show to serve as a doorway into a full, rigorous curriculum...
Click here to read the full article (pdf).
|
 |
If you are unable to open the pdf files, click the Get Acrobat Reader icon to download a free copy to your computer. |
|
|
| Teachers, Parents, Students talk about GALAXY |
Scroll down or click a link to see research material and what real students, teachers, and parents are saying about GALAXY Classroom. |
|
|
|
| |
| Back to Top |
|
My students are so excited when I pull out the hands-on activities and the videos. Never have I seen groups of children so excited about science in my 26 years of teaching. I think it is the way to fly.
If every subject generated this much enthusiasm, would there be any dropouts or teacher burnout? NO! These kids are hooked on science. |
| ~ Jane Godwin, Worth County Primary School, Worth County |
My students say it makes science easier to understand. I have noticed a change in their thinking skills as well as test scores. |
| ~ Lee Lane, Eastside Elementary, Polk County |
This year my school is participating in the America's Choice Program to improve student performance in literacy. The GALAXY language arts instructional strategies are an incredible compliment to this program. In some instances the strategies are exactly the same. Not only are my kids fired up about "The House," but they are receiving solid research based instruction.
Additionally, I am using the second grade GALAXY curriculum "Fixer Uppers" for the first time this year. The strategies and program are great ways to integrate math and science. In fact, I am working on my National Board Teaching Certification and the lessons I am featuring came from the GALAXY "Fixer Uppers" curriculum.
I cannot express strongly enough how much this curriculum has influenced instructional decisions I have made as a teacher and how it has impacted my students' education. |
| ~ Debbie Lane, East Broad Elementary, Savannah, Chatham County |
The Constructivist philosophy of GALAXY Classroom closely aligns with our County's emphasis for science curriculum. It is teacher friendly and challenging for students. I have been pleased with the increase in science process skills and the depth of critical thinking as students solve the problems associated with each theme. |
| ~ Kathy Barrett, Minor Elementary School, Gwinnett County |
I use GALAXY in my classroom because:
It covers all of my Science curriculum in a forum that excites and interests the kids
The experiments are SOOO cool, and SOOOO on my Kindergarten kids levels
I can do a little every day of the week, or a lot on one day--depending on my schedule for the week.
The shows are interesting and meaningful for the kids |
| ~ Tina Toney, Camp Creek Elementary, Gwinnett County |
GALAXY is the greatest science program I have ever used!! My kids beg to watch the shows over again. The investigations have them awe struck. This class MOVES AND SHAKES!!!! |
| ~ Kier Willingham, Williams Elementary, Bibb County |
My fifth graders ask every day if we have a new SNOOPS video. They want to write more, and today they all posted messages on the bulletin board on the SNOOPS Web site! We do tons of hands on activities and they want to know when we are going to do more science. I love the curriculum and it correlates nicely with the GA QCC's. |
| ~ Mary Bridges, Riverside Elementary, Columbia County |
My students are so excited about the Celebration Video! We are so honored, and wanted to thank GALAXY for giving us ideas and tools to inspire us - children and adults, alike. As a result of becoming "scientists," this class has taken an interest in protecting the environment. We will be "adopting" an area at our local park on Lake Lanier in the near future. Thanks, again! |
| ~ Ginger Clark, Chestatee Elementary, Forsyth County |
Your science program is a great asset to my classroom. |
| ~ David Byrd, Sweetwater Elementary School |
My children are enjoying SNOOPS so much! Thanks for a great program. |
| ~ Shannon Warr, Sharon Elementary School |
Jane Letchworth went through your program for the movers and shakers, grades 3-4 science. Through the GALAXY program her kids are learning so much using the hands on science kit. Many other teachers would like to participate in this workshop. I would like to go to the science training for 4th and 5th grades........ |
| ~ Judy Winters, Dawson County |
Thank you. We have received all the teaching materials (WOW! I AM REALLY IMPRESSED!) and are now anxious to receive the training. We offer gifted services through our science curriculum. We feel that your program will stimulate our students more than just using the science textbook. We will use your program with our gifted students in grades three-five. |
| ~ Carole C. Pilgrim, Black's Mill Elementary School |
This program is great! The kids are loving it and learning so much! |
| ~ Amy Cassidy, Berkeley Lake Elementary, Duluth, GA |
Thanks Marci...we have received our replenishment kit! What a treat...and a savings! |
| ~ Mary |
Dear Marci, I am responding to the offer for a replenishing kit. I teach SNOOPS and have been adding to my box for 5 years. I could REALLY use some new "stuff"!!! Thanks so much, |
| ~ Angie Dasher |
Thank you so much for helping me to make my classroom come alive. |
| ~ Sandra Hires, Center Elementary School |
The children really do enjoy the hands-on thinking and I do too! |
| ~ Lisa Camp, Ringgold Primary School |
Ms. Insley's S.N.O.O.P.S. absolutely loved the Celebration video! We had a great time watching it. We were excited and surprised to see ourselves in the video and that helped to make the experience even better. We have sent in our faxes and have been delighted to see them appear on both the Web site and the video.
Thank you for incorporating us into the GALAXY Celebration! |
| ~ Ms. Insley's 5th Grade Class |
The kids were thrilled to see the video! They could hardly contain their excitement!
I think the video gave more meaning to our science program. I encouraged them to look at the letters sent in by other children. I think they are more encouraged to write to you now!
My kindergartners go to the Web site with me often. They like what they see. I have several students who want to regularly write to the bulletin board. |
| ~ Marilyn Armstrong's Class |
My students were thrilled with honorable mention for the Celebration video and enjoyed the process of photography of them doing science.
They are sure they are movie stars. I have overheard them telling other children and explaining to others how they can become scientists too.
My students have really used the Web site this year. They have enjoyed all the changes. Each child tries to get on the Web site at least once a week and I have a few who have access from home. |
| ~ Lee Lane, Eastside Elementary |
My students, and their parents, love the site. It allows for a little more "hands-on" practice and they always enjoy that. About a third of my class has computers with Internet at home and use the site there. For the rest I try to get them on at least once a week, sometimes more. |
| ~ Debbie Powell |
GALAXY has enriched my teaching. It has made me enthusiastic and happy about teaching science. I have enjoyed and learned a lot about how children learn, i.e., investigate, explore, and share. Having the materials readily available has been great. My teaching has been recharged! |
| ~ GALAXY Teacher from California |
(By using GALAXY) I have done a 100% better job teaching science. I have lost some of my fears about experiments. I have tried more group projects in other subject areas. |
| ~ GALAXY Teacher from Colorado |
I've changed to using more cooperative activities throughout the curriculum (math, social studies, etc.). I feel this has made me a more effective teacher and my kids are having fun. |
| ~ GALAXY teacher from California |
GALAXY has shown me that my role in the classroom should be more as facilitator and less as lecturer. I have also learned how much more children enjoy learning when it is learner-driven and they have control over what they learn and how they learn it. |
| ~ GALAXY Teacher from Maryland |
Although I am a veteran teacher, I felt at a loss as to how to teach science. The concepts of the themes made sense to me. I could teach the concepts rather than information and knowledge I frequently lack. |
| ~ GALAXY Teacher from California |
GALAXY works well with all students because of high interest cliff-hanger broadcasts backed up with interesting, program-coordinated hands-on learning activities. |
| ~ GALAXY Teacher from West Virginia |
The program hooks in all kids because they can relate to it. |
| ~ GALAXY Teacher from California |
Hands-on activities and take-home kits made the kids feel like they could do anything. |
| ~ GALAXY Teacher from Indiana |
It's changed my philosophy and how I plan for teaching both in terms of goals and how I interact in class: asking questions, probing for better answers, striving for excellence. |
| ~ GALAXY Teacher from Texas |
I will never be textbook bound again; even in third grade, children still need the hands-on experience to explore concepts before higher level thinking can consistently occur. |
| ~ GALAXY Teacher from South Carolina |
I have been absolutely thrilled with this science program. It has been an incredible experience to watch my children become 'scientists' in the classroom. I have not used any program as well-integrated or as motivating to all my students as the GALAXY science program. |
| ~ GALAXY Teacher from Oregon |
My students were excited and impressed with the various activities. They actually became little scientists. They investigated, explored, discovered, and reported their findings. The classroom environment was interesting. |
| ~ GALAXY Teacher from Georgia |
An example of the program's effectiveness was the conversations my students had during "non-science" times of the day that included the science vocabulary and the making of comparison. |
| ~ GALAXY Teacher from Illinois |
GALAXY has made a tremendous impact on my being comfortable teaching science. I have taught science every year of my teaching career but had never used a program that was so complete and so well organized. The GALAXY program has helped me to understand the hands-on, minds-on concept and the need for exploration and discovery. |
| ~ GALAXY Teacher from California |
My students are so turned on to science that even if a little bug moves next to them, they just grab it and analyze it for a while and compare it to what they already know. It is very exciting to see them working and asking "What If?" |
| ~ GALAXY Teacher from New York |
I felt very uninformed and inadequate when it came to teaching science just last year. My self esteem has increased in this area thus making it easier for me to turn ids on to science. For example: The worst thing that could happen to my class now is to run out of time for GALAXY science. |
| ~ GALAXY Teacher from Indiana |
The biggest difference in my teaching is the inclusion of science everyday my kids are at school. I am forever changing lessons when something happens in science. |
| ~ GALAXY Teacher from Indiana |
I am a lot better at organizing the hands-on lessons and materials and a lot more chilled-out about the children talking, moving, and exploring. I am teaching science a lot more. I am much more flexible. |
| ~ GALAXY Teacher from Florida |
WOW! Total turn-on for kids-and I really enjoyed it too. Children love the hands-on and variety of materials. The program was very effective. My students "got it," loved it, and still love it. |
| ~ GALAXY teacher from California |
GALAXY motivated me to teach science that relates to the real world. For the first time in 14 years of teaching, I have enjoyed teaching science. |
| ~ GALAXY Teacher from Georgia |
I love GALAXY. I wanted to use it because I have never been a strong science teacher. Science was not my favorite subject to teach. Now I really enjoy it and will put more into my teaching. It has made a better teacher of me. |
| ~ GALAXY Teacher from Texas |
|
| Back to Top |
The GALAXY science program is an innovative and motivating vehicle for science instruction. My son is enthusiastic about these programs and has learned a great deal from the experiments that stem from them. I am aware of the need to "turn students on" to science. Motivated, excited students are more willing learners. There is not another curriculum area that more clearly deals with the analytical levels of learning. How does night turn into day? Why is the sky blue? Our youngest learners with the eager anticipation of answers ask questions such as these. This is science. |
| ~ Susan M. Bridwell |
I feel this program is a great tool in the learning process. I assist in my child's class. All of the children enjoy being involved in the experiments and deciding on the outcome of each particular experiment. This is a beneficial and educational program for all of our children. |
| ~ Lisa Sirmer |
Our children have benefited from the hands-on experiments and problem solving exercises promoted by the GALAXY program. This is just the sort of learning tool that opens a world of inquisitive, investigative curiosity in young children. |
| ~ Jane and Charles Menzel |
My son thoroughly enjoys the GALAXY science program. He loves the experiments the class conducts. I feel the program makes an otherwise difficult subject interesting and enjoyable. |
| ~ Jennifer A. Button |
Maybe showing GALAXY science at this early stage of schooling will help girls get interested in learning more about science. |
| ~ Patsy White |
My daughter comes home so excited telling me what she has learned from doing the hands-on experiments. |
| ~ Camille Sheward |
Every night when I come home from work, my daughter fills me in on things she learned that day in school. She always has a lot to talk about after her class has completed another science experiment as part of the outstanding GALAXY science program. I am so surprised, how much information she is retaining and how much fun she seems to be having learning about science. I feel very confident that the tools being used in GALAXY Classroom have not only helped my daughter to learn but have made the entire learning process both educational and enjoyable. |
| ~ Tracy and Paul Kakos |
|
| Back to Top |
Science makes you smarter. I like to get smart and still have fun. |
| ~ Zachary |
I like GALAXY because I really learn science and it is fun. |
| ~ Lindsey |
I love GALAXY Classroom science and I don't love much. |
| ~ Kimani |
I like GALAXY Classroom because it is good science. |
| ~ Hunter |
GALAXY makes me think. |
| ~ Hayley |
More, more, more GALAXY Classroom. WE love solving I like experiments, TV show, and the Web. |
| ~ Michael |
You can be smart, but GALAXY can help you get smarter. |
| ~ Student from Orangeburg, SC |
GALAXY helps you learn and it is fun to watch animals talk. We were on television on the Celebration video. We like to fax too. We learn lots of Science, the fun way. |
| ~ Montana |
GALAXY Science is neat. |
| ~ Justin |
I love science with GALAXY. |
| ~ Andrew |
I want to have GALAXY Classrooom because it makes learning fun again. |
| ~ Hallie |
GALAXY makes me like school more. Learning isn't so bad. |
| ~ Patrick |
We really like GALAXY. Our projects have been a blast! When our teacher tells us that we are going to watch the show we cheer. We have fun with the science projects. |
| ~ Noah, Brad, Jacob |
I really like the GALAXY show. It teaches me things. Every person in our school likes GALAXY, even the teachers. I think science is cool. |
| ~ Willie |
GALAXY program is awesome! It lets us do weird experiments. They are not just weird experiments, but they are also very fun. |
| ~ Blake |
I've written a lot of responses to the videos. GALAXY is a wonderful way to learn about science. |
| ~ Macy |
GALAXY is a fun way to learn science. Now science is one of my favorite subjects. |
| ~ Maggie |
GALAXY helps us understand stuff. |
| ~ Kevin |
We didn't know that science could be so much fun until we watched the GALAXY show. |
| ~ Tate, Danny, Avery |
We are learning about nature. We made a terrarium. GALAXY is very important to us. |
| ~ Kaitlyn, Kristen, Brian |
We love solving problems. The GALAXY show is a part of us. |
| ~ Holly, Amanda, Danielle |
Hands-on activities are the best way for kids to learn science. This video taught me to think before I speak. |
| ~ Allie |
The GALAXY videos are entertaining to my class and teacher and they are teaching us at the same time. Snoops helps us with our science education and they teach us in a way that us kids understand better and more thoroughly. |
| ~ Hillary |
My class loves GALAXY. It is a learning experience filled with adventure that is interactive. |
| ~ Michael |
GALAXY is a great program for kids my age. I love doing fun projects and it is a fun way to learn. |
| ~ Heather |
I learn a lot during GALAXY time. It is a fun educational program. I even go home and tell my parents what I have learned. |
| ~ Megan |
| Back to Top |
