I am so
fortunate to work at an elementary school that has a science lab, which is run
by a fantastic science lab director, who coincidentally used to be my
assistant. Her name is Liz, and she also has her own craft business. (You can check out some of her
wonderful creations HERE.) She has the lab looking so beautiful and inviting. I
think I get just as excited as the kids to go and visit. There are so many
resources available in our lab, and it is also, so visually appealing. On Friday, we were able to go to the
science lab for a short, yet meaningful 30 minute activity to introduce the
students to the lab rules, some science lab tools and the skill of science observation.
Before
heading to the lab at the end of the week, we read about, and discussed,
qualitative and quantitative observations. We then transferred the definitions
into a flap book where students also wrote, and illustrated an example of each.
They glued them into their interactive science notebooks for future reference.
For homework, students took home a worksheet where they had to read a statement
and then circle whether the statement was an example of qualitative or
quantitative observations.
heading to the lab at the end of the week, we read about, and discussed,
qualitative and quantitative observations. We then transferred the definitions
into a flap book where students also wrote, and illustrated an example of each.
They glued them into their interactive science notebooks for future reference.
For homework, students took home a worksheet where they had to read a statement
and then circle whether the statement was an example of qualitative or
quantitative observations.
The
following day, we went over the answers to the homework, and students explained
why they chose the answers they did. I was happy to see that everyone had a
strong understand of the observation concepts. Next was when the excitement
began, because the students found out we were heading to the science lab to do
an activity with “STARBURSTS.” How exciting! The science lab director showed
them what a double pan balance was and how it is used.
following day, we went over the answers to the homework, and students explained
why they chose the answers they did. I was happy to see that everyone had a
strong understand of the observation concepts. Next was when the excitement
began, because the students found out we were heading to the science lab to do
an activity with “STARBURSTS.” How exciting! The science lab director showed
them what a double pan balance was and how it is used.
Students placed one
Starburst in one pan and then added 1 gram at a time to the other pan until the
balance was….well, balanced.
Starburst in one pan and then added 1 gram at a time to the other pan until the
balance was….well, balanced.
Students documented their results, and then, made a quick sketch of the
balance. They then measured the Starburst with a centimeter ruler. We showed
them how to measure from the start of the ruler. Students then documented their
answers, and used it to figure out the volume.
balance. They then measured the Starburst with a centimeter ruler. We showed
them how to measure from the start of the ruler. Students then documented their
answers, and used it to figure out the volume.
(Our science lab director showing students how to use the centimeter ruler correctly.)
Next they used their 5 senses to
make observations. They wrote down information like, the smell of the candy and
what it felt like. Their favorite? Why tasting it, of course!
make observations. They wrote down information like, the smell of the candy and
what it felt like. Their favorite? Why tasting it, of course!
The kids were so grateful and learned the concept quickly. A win – win if you ask me.
If you are interested in these specific activities you can find them HERE.
Thank you for giving me props. I love our Science Lab. The kids love it and they learn so much from the hands on experience. I love your blog. I don't comment often but I love to read it.
Thank you Liz for the nice comment, and for always lending me a hand. Looking forward to our next lab. 😉