Tag Archives: lab

Cooperative learning in the lab

I teach fourth and fifth graders in our school’s “Discovery Lab.” With over 700 students I am constantly brainstorming procedures to help the lab run smoother. One thing that I want to try is to assign student roles for group work. Do you have suggestions for these roles or any other information that might be [...]
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Grant evaluation

Our school recently received grant funds to upgrade the technology in our science labs next year, and the funding organization requires an annual report. This is a new endeavor for us. Do you have some suggestions on what to include in the report? —Patricia, Philadelphia, PA Congratulation on your grant! It’s a lot of effort [...]
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Science activities: quantity vs. quality

My ninth grade students enjoy labs, but my colleagues say I do too many and the students aren’t learning anything. How many labs should I do each week? —Carolyn, Billings, Montana I’m curious as to what you mean by “labs.” Some teachers use the word lab to describe a variety of activities from investigations and [...]
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Designing a laboratory

We are opening a new academy for grades 10, 11, and 12. We’re going to have a science lab for combined use in biology, chemistry, and physics. I’ve taught in labs, but I’ve never designed one. Where do we start? —K. D., Oklahoma There’s nothing more exciting for a science teacher than walking into a [...]
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What do you want in your science lab?

If you could have the science lab of your dreams for preK through 2 students, what would it include? What are the minimum required materials, what are the commonly found materials, and what is on your wish list? Would it be in your classroom or a separate lab in the school? Would you have group [...]
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