subject: Teaching Science In The Classroom [print this page] Teaching Science In The Classroom Teaching Science In The Classroom
Science is one of the most difficult subjects that many young students face. It is very complex and confusing; it goes farther into topics that some people just do not understand. However, science can also be one of the most fun, engaging things that students will learn if it is taught correctly. They will actually look forward to the class and will want to participate in it as often as they can. The trick is just to let them run hands-on experiments that provide them with both entertainment and knowledge at once. This is easy to do with just a few simple things such as rubber bands, strong magnets, and toothpicks.
The rubber bands can be used to teach the children about velocity, force, and distance. What you will want to do is let the students create catapults that are powered by rubber bands. They can construct these out of simple materials -- pieces of wood, rolls of tape, and the like. You can then use the catapults to throw marshmallows or some such object, giving out a prize for the group whose catapult throws the object the farthest distance. The students will find this fun and amusing, and they will relish the competition.
Strong magnets can be used for all manner of things, but one way to get students interested is just to give them a number of different objects. With the magnets sitting on a table, let them experiment by tossing things such as paper clips over the magnets. If they toss them too hard, they will just sail over the top. If they toss them correctly, though, the students will get to see the objects change direction in midair and fly down to stick to the magnet. This is very simple, but it is a great way to show students the true power of magnets.
Toothpicks should be used along with glue to create bridges. This is a good way to teach children about design and the strengths and weaknesses of different designs. Hand out a prize for the bridge that can hold the most weight when it is done. Many students will just want to plaster all of the toothpicks together into a strong block. Some, however, will discover that a triangle is actually a stronger brace that allows them to build larger bridges.
This sort of discovery can be monumental and very fun when working in this fashion.
In the end, you just need to have a variety of experiments ready for the students. Whether these involve strong magnets or toothpicks, you want to do all that you can to keep science from being boring. Allow the students to experience the scientific properties and they will be more excited to learn.
