What better way to learn about a science topic than to talk with the scientists who study it every day? Science Pen Pals creates a platform for students to interact with UW scientists in the life sciences (biology, ecology, botany, zoology, physiology, etc.) to examine questions students can't find answers to in their textbooks.
In April and May 2011, a fifth-grade student wrote a letter to a researcher at the University of Wyoming asking questions related to wildebeest habitat and life history. The researcher responded to the student in an informative, fun and engaging way - exactly how we hope the program will unfold!
>>Click here to read the student's letter.
>>Click here to read the researcher's response.
Enhanced study of a scientific question - students delve deeper by asking questions which textbooks don't answer.
Increased critical thinking and focus of scientific questioning - students learn how to focus their question into a sentence or paragraph.
Improved writing skills - students get practice writing letters, thereby improving grammar, vocabulary and sentence flow.
Engagement with the scientific community - students feel a heightened sense of investment in the topic because it creates a platform for interacting with real scientists.
Need more context? Here is a poster outlining the program and offering suggestions, and a handy postcard summarizing the idea. Contact Dr. Dorothy with any questions or to get your class involved.
>>Provide feedback on this and other programs the Biodiversity Institute offers.
