Where Did the Science Experiments Go?
Hands-on science experiments are essential for student learning.
By Deborah Reynolds
Where did the science experiments go?
Students study a variety of topics in science. They learn about what causes weather, they study the states of matter, they examine the life cycle of a butterfly, and they identify parallel circuits, etc. . . But how often do children get to do a hands-on experiment while learning these and other science topics?
Hands-on experiences are essential to learning for all students - especially the students who prefer kinesthetic learning. Hands-on experiments can reinforce problem solving skills, which students need in all subject areas. The visual learner can see and apply what is heard from the teacher and read in books. High-ability students have the opportunity to extend learning by exploring other ways to conduct an experiment by manipulating the variables.
Unfortunately, hands-on experiments have taken a back seat in education lately. There is great pressure to conduct frequent testing to prepare the students for standardized tests. Much of the classroom time must be allotted for remediation and review. The money needed experiments to do hands-on experiments may not be available as well. Teachers already spend an abundance of their own money on basic classroom supplies. It can be a strain to purchase the materials needed for a class to have regular opportunities to conduct experiments.
Fortunately, there are some cost and time effective ways in which experiments can return to the classroom on a regular basis. Teachers can get some supplies for experiments by asking parents to save certain items and send them in as needed. Go through each objective in the curriculum to see what experiments can be done and make a list of the supplies needed. By recycling used items, parents and teachers are providing the supplies without spending extra money. Parents also feel good about contributing to the classroom.
Hands-on experiments are worth the effort! There are lots of lesson plans available that use common household materials. Some of these supplies can be used from year to year, which also cuts down on the expense. Lastly, experiments make learning concrete. They give students the chance to apply and practice what has been taught. Bring the experiments back!
Hands-on Experiments Lesson Plans:
Yeast Guided Inquiry Science Experiment
Students use common household items to determine what an organism needs to live. Some of the materials are sugar, salt, Zip-Lock bags, plastic cups, and yeast. Students work cooperatively to determine what the yeast needs to grow.
Students learn about the difference between an acid and a base. They create an invisible painting using a mixture of baking soda and water. Then, grape juice is put on the painting. Since baking soda is a base, the grape juice causes the painting to become visible by changing it to a blue-green color. The supplies for this experiment are cups, baking soda, water, cotton swabs, paint brushes, and purple grape juice. Students can recycle plastic cups to use for this experiment, and the other things are common household items.
Popcorn Science: Pop Goes the Kernel
This lesson contains five different experiments. It can be modified for different grade levels. The students experiment to determine why and how kernels pop. Some of the materials are foil and popcorn kernels.
The teacher reads "Bartholomew and the Oobleck" by Dr. Seuss to the class. The students combine cornstarch and water to make an “Oobleck”. They discuss the properties of matter. Some of the materials needed are cornstarch, water, and Zip-lock bags.