Science and Mathematics Education Commons^™

[Accepted Version] Empowering Families In Hands‐On Science Programs, James Shymansky, Larry Yore, Brian Hand

Educator Preparation & Leadership Faculty Works

This paper presents the results of the Science Parent, Activities, and Literature (Science PALs) project. This project aims to promote parent involvement in children's hands-on science education by using take-home, literature-based inquiry, problem solving, and design activities that connect school and home. Parents are the most effective source of positive or negative attitude influences toward science and mathematics. The lack of science in home environments depends largely upon parents' fear or lack of success in science. The Science PALs project uses parents as a key instructional factor and involves them in their children's education. Teachers help parents in this involvement …