Today, we are going to look closer at Essential #1 – Performing Hands-on Scientific Tests.
We generally hear the word “experiments” used for all types of hands-on scientific tests. So, I wanted to explain what I mean by the term. Here’s my definition:
A hands-on scientific test gives your student a chance to see, practice, test, or learn about a principle, or principles, in science.
Here are the five main types of scientific tests I regularly recommend using with your students:
You can use a combination of these scientific tests sprinkled throughout the year, or you can stick with the one that works the best for you.
Either way, I recommend that you do at least one hands-on scientific tests each week during the school year.
Hands-on scientific tests are the flesh of the scientific facts your students are learning about. These tests:
In additional to being the visual reference of scientific fact, these tests serve to foster scientific creativity and discovery in your students.
To teach science without this hands-on aspect would make no sense.
It would be like a blind man watching a movie. It will sound right, but you won’t really have a complete picture.
The type of hands-on scientific test you choose to perform will depend largely on the students’ ages.
Of course, this doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t do demonstrations with your high-schoolers – as they will certainly enjoy them.
Or that your elementary student should never, ever do a science fair project, because, if done correctly, they can still learn from it.
These suggestions are simply what will benefit different age groups the most.
Tip #1 – Make sure you have the materials you will need on hand.Whether you buy one of our experiment kits or create your own, having the materials you need ready to go is a huge part of having success with hands-on scientific tests.
Tip #2 – Plan ahead by reading through the directions and explanations.Knowing where you are going, what you are doing, and what you are trying to demonstrate is key to having success with hands-on scientific tests.
Tip #3 – Follow the directions.Most of the directions for a scientific test are time-tested. The flow of the process is there for a reason, so it’s worth following to ensure success with hands-on scientific tests.
Tip #4 – Discuss the explanation with your students, i.e. why it did work or why it didn’t.Talking with our students about what happened and why will help them to see and understand the scientific principles at work, which is the whole purpose of performing hands-on scientific tests.
I trust that you now have a better picture of what the first key to your science plan is and how you can use this key with your students.
If you have any questions, head on over to Facebook or Google+ and join the conversation.
This article was written by our author,Paige Hudson. You can also find her mixing up solutions for homeschool science atElemental Blogging. If you want to receive more articles just like this, plus our monthly discounts, sign up for our newsletter in the box below orclick here.
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