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July 6, 2016

4 Tips for Implementing Science Experiments

If there was one sure way to engage my little learners, it was to do science experiments! Their eyes just lit up when I told them we are going to implement a science experiment. It’s definitely a moment that made my teacher heart so happy–and forget all the craziness of our day!

There were 4 things that made implementing the science experiments easy, engaging, and successful.Implementing science experiments doesn't have to be hard. These tips are great reminders for science experiments with kindergarten and first graders!

1. Ask open ended questions.

Open ended questions prompt your students into critical thinking. They challenge them to be little thinkers as you ask them questions that are beyond “yes” and “no” answers. They also challenge them to continue to explore and investigate! Below is a list that can help you get started as you plan for questioning during science experiments.

Open ended questioning is crucial to spur on learning when doing science experiments! Check out the other tips this teacher shared for engaging her kindergarten and first grade students with science experiments.

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2. Let them make a mess!

Just as much as you, I hate a messy classroom, but  you know what? My students LOVE it when we get dirty and make a mess.  They learn so much when I let go of fear of getting glitter on the carpet or spilling water on the table. Don’t be afraid to let them make a mess! The mess can be cleaned up, but rich, hands-on experiments cannot be replaced!Science experiments are always clean for students that that is OKAY! It's good to let them make a mess sometimes. I love these tips shared! Check out the other 3 tips!

Science experiments are always clean for students that that is OKAY! It's good to let them make a mess sometimes. I love these tips shared! Check out the other 3 tips!

3. Remember that little learners learn best through play!

Sometimes, you have to let them be little. Sometimes, they will take what you have planned for the experiment to teach them and while they have played a little, they have discovered something else totally new and exciting to them! Remember that they learn best through play and experiments are to be a joyful, playful learning experience!Science experiments for little learners that are perfect for science stations or whole group. This science experiment with dancing milk is so much fun for the students!

4. Remind them that they ARE scientists!

So often since science is a new concept for little learners, they forget that they ARE scientists already. They don’t realize that they are scientists each and every day as they learn, test, explore, and investigate! Remind them of this and encourage them to continue to dig deeper and question!

Things that made experiments successful in my classroom were that they were:

  • Easy to implement
  • Could be independently completed in a station
  • Followed the same routine each time
  • Aligned to the science content

I created all of that in my Science Experiments Bundle.

Science Experiments made easy for the ENTIRE year with this bundle! They can easily be set up as work stations or can be done whole group! No more excuses for not getting to them. No more excuses about prep being difficult because all of the materials are things I have had at my house or were in my classroom. All set for a year with this growing bundle!

Do you do science experiments in your elementary classroom? I’d love to hear any tips you have!

Implementing science experiments doesn't have to be hard. These tips are great reminders for science experiments with kindergarten and first graders!

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Happy teaching! - Amanda

Comments

  1. Kim Scott says

    August 14, 2016 at 8:44 pm

    I totally agree. They need to be easy to implement. I really like doing station activities. Less supplies needed. Also important to remember that experiments do not need to be expensive.

    Reply
  2. Rosemary says

    December 27, 2016 at 10:17 am

    When will your Science in January be ready?
    Looks fun

    Reply
    • Amanda says

      December 27, 2016 at 8:41 pm

      Hi Rosemary! It’s ready now! You can find it here! https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/First-Grade-Science-for-January-Arctic-Penguins-DayNight-SunMoonStars-2931290

      Reply

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