Education

Private Whys?

17-part program where children get to investigate minerals, math, geography, history and health to solve fun-filled problems while learning interesting scientific facts. A complete teaching guide and materials list for teachers are available.

The set of investigations put forth in the Private Whys? discovery unit creates a fun and imaginative way to engage learners of all ages in the process of asking questions, following clues, gathering facts and studying evidence in order to find answers or solutions to problems. Both the National Science Foundation and the National Science Teachers Association recommend this inquiry-based methodology as the preferred means of engaging students in real-world scenarios and authentic decision-making. We chose to use the world of private investigation since, like scientists, private investigators ask “why” a lot. They do this because they want to understand the reason, purpose or cause of something. Private investigators gather evidence and facts about a case. They attempt to answer questions by following where the clues lead them. They make discovery after discovery, following an unknown path, rather than a path well traveled. These are also the ways of great scientists and other problem solvers in our world!

We no longer live in a world comprised of facts to be memorized, but rather, a world full of information that must be sifted through, analyzed, understood and incorporated. The Private Whys? discovery unit is a tool, which can introduce young learners to these techniques and help them to hone these modern and essential skills.

We ask you now: Do you, your students or team have what it takes to be investigators? Can you follow a case from beginning to end, accepting the fact that as you make one discovery, answer one question, it may only lead you to another? If you think you are ready, if you think you have what it takes, then see if you can gather the evidence, follow the clues, solve the case and ultimately become certified as an official member of the Private Whys? Investigation Agency! You can even take a sneak look at a sample section from this package!

If you are a teacher interested in using this educational tool, please complete the quick registration below and you will be taken to the download page to download the complete Private Whys? teacher package in pdf format.

[NOTE: All items in BOLD are required.]

Teacher Name:
School Name:
Grade Currently Teaching:
Number of Students:
City:
State:
Email:
Type of Classroom: [Please check one]	Gift & Talented Special Education Bilingual ESL Regular Other (please specify)
School Web Site URL: (Optional)

If you have any questions about this educational tool, please email us.

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Additional Resources

The CDA web site provides many other resources for people interested in learning more about copper and its alloys.

Take a look at Innovations - our on-line magazine.

Please also check out Copper In Your Home - a section dedicated to consumers, with a special section just for kids!

If you need metallurgical or properties information, take a look at the Standards & Properties section.

Please also take a look at our application specific sections if you are looking for information regarding plumbing, electrical, architecture, and other copper alloy applications.