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BioTrek Exploration Stations

BioTrek's Exploration Stations are hands-on exhibits staffed by a "Puzzle-Giver" or "Puzzle-Partner" who coaches and coaxes a learner to explore a puzzle, examine a paradox, or invent a tool.

 

BioTrek uses Exploration Stations at a range of events, including Science Expeditions, Farm Technology Days, Science Exploration Days, and State Fair. We think Exploration Stations are particularly effective whenever you're organizing a public science event that seeks a series of hands-on activities that focus on engaging the curiosity, creativity, and ingenuity of the participant.

 

Here's a letter written to volunteers from Chippewa County who offered to serve as Puzzle-Givers at the five Exploration Stations that BioTrek organized for the Youth Tent at the Farm Technology Days.

Dear Puzzle-Giver,

Thank you for your willingness to coach and coax learners as they experience science as exploring the unknown through experimenting at our BioTrek Exploration Stations.

 

There are at least three ways that learners can experience science outside the classroom.

  • The Science Spectacular is a show where the scientist on the stage teaches chemistry or physics through demonstrations that often include fire, explosions, or hair-raising events.
  • The Science Fair involves exhibits where an expert — a professional or a student — explains the importance of their investigation to learners. The exhibit may include hands-on supplements, and usually the expert is explaining the information to individuals or to small groups.
  • The Exploration Station involves presenting learners of any age with a puzzle, paradox or problem to examine, explore, experiment or resolve. The Exploration Station is staffed by a Puzzle-Giver who may or may not be an expert in science, but whose chief talent is in coaching, coaxing and cajoling a learner to explore the puzzle.
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How is an Exploration Station Different From an Exhibit?

On the continuum of "Inform, Involve and Engage" the Exploration Station tends towards Involve and Engage.

 

The goals are 1) to transform how people view and do science, and 2) to improve the science savvy of the learner.

 

Therefore, Exploration Stations are designed to challenge and cultivate the talents of the learner, not to test or showcase our expertise as a scientist. Our job as Puzzle-Givers is to "Coach, Coax and Cajole" and not necessarily to explain.

 

Here are examples of conversations and puzzles that you can lead as you serve as Puzzle-Giver at these five Exploration Stations: