Cool Science

Parents and Teachers

The Cool Science project would not be possible without the hard work and dedication of teachers and parents. No student works in isolation and the more teachers and parents can do to support a student’s efforts the more learning about climate change will take place. The following are suggestions for parents and teachers that should help produce a successful project and learning experience. If a question arises dealing with the science of climate change or the technical aspects of the competition, please feel free to contact us. We will do our best to address your questions and respond to you in a timely fashion.

Parents

Because the required size of the canvas is 24 inches by 9 inches, you can cut one 24 in by 36 in poster board or paper and cut it into four 24 x 9 inch pieces.

Parents can be invaluable to this project. Parental interest sends a strong signal to students that the project is important and that the topic of climate change is one worth studying. Suggestions for how parents can best support their student include:

  1. Talk with your student about climate change. Ask them questions and identify specific  ideas that need clarification.
  2. Help your child find answers to questions through online research. Review and read websites together.
  3. Resolve technical issues that may arise with computers, the internet, and /or submitting projects.
  4. Provide art resources to complete the project.
  5. Become familiar with the technical requirements and the evaluation criteria so as to guide student work to a successful submission.

Teachers

Because the required size of the canvas is 24 inches by 9 inches, you can cut one 24 in by 36 in poster board or paper and cut it into four 24 x 9 inch pieces.

Teachers can incorporate this project into their science, social studies, or art curriculum. Interdisciplinary approaches are highly encouraged. When implementing this project with students teachers should:

  1. Review the science of climate change (see resources) and be prepared for student questions.
  2. Encourage students to express their ideas in the project but ensure that their ideas are scientifically valid.
  3. Promote discussion between students and between students and parents.
  4. Remind students that all creative work should be their own.
  5. Become familiar with the technical requirements and the evaluation criteria so as to guide student work to a successful submission.

Note: The canvas size may be adjusted for individual student needs as long as a ratio of 3:1 (width to height) is maintained. For specific exceptions, please contact us.