Schedule: Typically 1 hour per week for 10 weeks (after school); exact days/times vary by assignment
Location: On-site at a partner school; varies by assignment
Start Date: Rolling openings based on school schedules
Position Overview
Concorde Education is seeking an engaging, student-centered Household Science Instructor to facilitate a short-format after-school enrichment course for students (grade band varies by assignment). This course introduces students to practical, real-world science concepts through safe, hands-on experiments and demonstrations using common household materials. Students explore how science shows up in everyday life—such as cooking chemistry, cleaning reactions, states of matter, simple machines at home, and basic health and environmental concepts.
All activities must be age-appropriate, safety-first, and aligned with site policies. Experiments should avoid hazardous chemicals and emphasize supervised, classroom-safe procedures. The instructor will deliver instruction across a typical 10-week cycle, with pacing adapted to student needs and site logistics.
What You Will Teach
Students will investigate everyday phenomena through inquiry-based learning: asking questions, making predictions, testing ideas, recording observations, and explaining results. Lessons build foundational scientific reasoning skills while connecting core science concepts to real-life household contexts. Activities may include simple experiments, design challenges, and mini-showcases of student learning.
Major Topics Can Include
- Scientific inquiry and lab safety routines (questions, hypotheses, variables, observation)
- Properties of matter (solids/liquids/gases, mixtures, solutions, density)
- Chemical reactions using safe household ingredients (baking soda and vinegar concepts, gas production)
- Heat and temperature concepts (safe demonstrations; conduction/convection concepts)
- Kitchen science (emulsions, dissolving, fermentation concepts, changes from heating/cooling)
- Cleaning science (surfactants, oils vs. water, why soap works)
- Simple machines and forces in the home (levers, pulleys, friction, ramps)
- Engineering design challenges using household materials (build, test, revise)
- Environmental science at home (waste, recycling, water use, energy conservation)
- Data collection and simple graphing (age-appropriate measurement and recording)
Key Responsibilities
- Deliver a 10-session course with clear objectives and engaging, hands-on instruction
- Lead safe, structured experiments and ensure consistent adherence to safety routines and site policies
- Prepare and manage materials, including clean-up procedures and classroom organization
- Differentiate instruction to support varying readiness levels and encourage curiosity and participation
- Maintain a safe, inclusive learning environment aligned with school expectations
- Communicate professionally with site staff and Concorde program contacts regarding attendance and session completion tracking
- Adapt pacing and activities as needed while maintaining intended learning outcomes
Qualifications (Required)
- Minimum of 60 college credits (or Associate degree in progress/completed)
- Comfort teaching foundational science concepts through hands-on, inquiry-based activities
- Experience working with school-age students in structured settings (school, camp, after-school, tutoring, youth programs)
- Strong facilitation skills and the ability to manage materials and procedures safely
- Reliable, punctual, and professional; able to follow school policies and program boundaries
- Ability to implement safety-first routines and maintain an organized, engaging classroom environment