When thinking about why you need to be doing science experiments in your elementary classroom, first think about the definition of science.
Simply put, science is learning about the world through investigation and research. Therefore, science lab experiments bring both of these aspects alive.
First, students are doing research on what they think will occur and why. Then, the investigation begins. Students put their scientist jackets on and actually get to go through the scientific method with their own hands.
By incorporating elementary science experiments in your class, students will truly be thinking about the content. Additionally, this Scientific Method Flip Book is the perfect way to turn your students into scientists!
Elementary Science Experiments
Science experiments result in several class benefits by:
- Encouraging Critical Thinking
When students complete experiments, they are thinking so much deeper than when they read a worksheet. They are asking questions, exploring different answers, and collecting data. Furthermore, inquiry-based labs ensure students are not just given an answer. They are solving problems and coming up with solutions. Additionally, there may not be just one right answer. However, they are learning to justify their answer by incorporating their data!
- Engaging Reluctant Learners
In every classroom, there are a variety of students. While there are ones who do all the work on time, there are others who barely do any work.
Therefore, it is vital to try different lessons in order to engage all learners. Hence, elementary science labs may be just the thing to try! They are creative, fun, and extremely hands-on. Even the most reluctant learners can open up to all of the excitement a lab creates.
- Promoting Collaboration and Teamwork
In a society filled with social media, students are struggling with in-person interaction. However, elementary science labs help counteract that. They promote working together. Therefore, students will practice compromising, problem-solving, and being a positive partner.
- Connecting Learning to the Real World
Science is changing every minute in response to changes in the world. From new developments to changes in the environment, there is so much to explore! Consequently, this creates endless opportunities for the classroom to connect to the real world. Thus, students will discover that what they are learning in the classroom truly relates to the real world. Additionally, students will love being able to take something from the “real world” and discover more in a lab!
Learning the Scientific Method
The scientific method can be complex to learn! There are multiple steps with complicated vocabulary. To illustrate, students can greatly benefit from a visual aid. Therefore, this Scientific Method Flip Book is the perfect way to introduce students before completing a lab. The flipbook is packed with information but placed in a student-friendly way. Hence, learning is fun and exciting! Additionally, to show students the reality behind the flipbook, a lab is included! Even better, students can complete the lab while they are completing their reading! Therefore, the reading is being put straight into the action.
By incorporating elementary science experiments in the classroom, students will be excited and engaged. More importantly, they will see how the classroom connects to the real world. By starting with the Scientific Method Flip Book and progressing to more labs, students will be critically thinking and working together!
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