Imagine a classroom filled with discarded TV sets, magnet sculptures, plastic funnels, etc. that demonstrate everything from magnetism to momentum. In Fort Collins, Colorado, a science teacher has made a mobile museum called "Little Shop of Physics." Along with several other teachers and undergraduates, they travel even out of the country to give students the opportunity to play and explore physics. Brian Jones, the originator of this idea, believes there is too much lecture and not enough exploration. He creates the opportunity for students to discover things on their own.
"Kids are scientists from the beginning." Engage, explore, and explain are the three basics in effective teaching. Jones uses everyday household materials which gives teachers who are interested in creating a similar project the empowerment "to do it." You can find the parts to do this inexpensively.
Everybody wins in this "shop." Kids are filled with "oohs and a-ha's", their teachers learn new ways to present science, and for undergraduate students, it is like a job in a research lab.
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