Here are some questions we get asked from educators when we travel to conferences, make presentations, or visit schools. If these don’t address your questions, send us an email at info@quirkles.com and we’ll get back to you quickly.
How do you use the Quirkles®?
Traditional classroom settings as the science piece that reinforces literacy objectives
Mentoring programs-middle or high school students working with elementary students
Science lab programming
Reading/literacy remediation for older students
The list goes on….we learn about new ways each time we talk to teachers!
What's the appropriate grade level for the Quirkles?
The Quirkles® are geared for children ranging from pre-K to older elementary. Obviously the youngest of learners take away something different than older students—and the phonemic reinforcement is more important at the younger grade levels as well. The books are written on a 3rd grade level so will be shared reading for younger learners. The science becomes more important to older elementary students who can take the concepts to a higher level. The Quirkles® are not about traditional scope and sequence or mastery of each and every one of the earth, life, and physical science concepts explored. These books are about building a science vocabulary, developing a love of science and literacy, and to begin the building process of fuller science understanding. For older students it’s a way to reinforce, in a fun and unusual way, the concepts being taught in more traditional science settings.
Another quick word…some educators worry about repeating the stories—ie., if they read the story in first grade, it can’t be read again in second or even later in the first grade year. To the contrary, research shows vocabulary and concepts are deepened with repetition! Children will take things they have learned since that initial exposure to add richness and additional meaning. This also offers the opportunity for differentiated learning possibilities. Just see if you can get away with reading a Quirkles story once!
But if we use the Quirkles for one grade
(ie., kindergarten), are there more Quirkles books/characters
for the next year?
We don't have a continuation set per se with another entire series of different books. However, we do have a More Quirkles Experiments: Taking Quirkles Learning to the Next Level book that will allow the use of the same books as the "master" with additional science experiments/activity suggestions offered. This is designed for schools that plan to review with the books at the next grade level, then further develop the concepts.
But I’m not an educator really comfortable with teaching science? How will this work for me?
The Quirkles® were designed to be educator friendly…even for those who don’t have a science background. The stories explain the science concept and the hands-on experiments reinforce it. We’ve done a lot of the research and work for you! And, when you see the childrens’ excitement, even a science hater can be converted! The experiments are easy to do and use common everyday ingredients. And, if you have the luxury of a larger budget, we’ve even gathered the supplies for you in the Quirkles® science experiment kit. The teacher guide will provide strong guidance too.
Do the Quirkles® address national and state science standards?
Yes. Email at info@quirkles.com to get information specific to your state.
I would like to get some science in my day, but I just don’t have time. How can the Quirkles address that?
By integrating the phonemic reinforcement and literacy objectives too, this series can be integrated into literacy time as well as stand-alone science time. It truly is a science/literacy integration.
Ok. I’m intrigued. How do I take a look at the Quirkles?
Thoroughly review our website as there is a LOT of Quirkles information. Get the free Gilbert Gas e-book sample. Want to see some of the experiments? There are links on the website. If your school or organization wants to review materials, contact us at info@quirkles.com. And, again, never hesitate to email or call with questions or comments.
I’m convinced. How do I purchase the Quirkles?
Schools/organizations may phone, mail, or fax an order form using a purchase order and we will invoice you. (Missouri organizations need to send a Tax Exemption form or number too). Or, you may use a credit card or pay by organization check. If you are not using a purchase order you can order here on the website. If you need to contact us, call or fax at 800-866-1360 or email info@quirkles.com.
Will you consider doing school visits with children or teacher trainings?
Yes. We do these when we can subject to scheduling issues. Costs vary depending on where you are located. Again, you know the drill by now. Contact us at info@quirkles.com.
See how each Quirkle aligns with the Common Core Alignment.link
Be sure to check out The Quirkles on YouTube as well for videos of different Quirkles experiments. If you have iTunes you can sign up for our monthly podcast as well here or get video updates through our rss feed also.
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Featured Quirkles science experiment books and products:
