The first science lesson is one where teachers want to stimulate their student's curiosity and interest in their subject area. Yet, they also want to formulate the classroom behaviour policy (in-line with the school policy), develop a positive rapport and discuss the importance of safety in the science lab. These lessons can take time to plan and prepare. Many teachers have perfected their introductory lesson from years of trialing but even the perfect lesson needs to be tailored to the students in front of them.
Become familiar with what your students already know about science. Have a look at the Primary SESS Science curriculum and ask your students what they already know about the subject of science, the skills needed in science and the career possibilities.
Teachers know when they have a good lesson. There is a feeling of celebration and an eagerness to share the ideas that worked for them. When these ideas are shared, more ideas are created and the original idea evolves. This new idea can be trialed and adapted by many generations of teachers... And if these new ideas are shared, the cycle continues.
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A PowerPoint presentation with three tasks on introducing students to laboratory equipment /apparatus. Tasks include identifying laboratory equipment, matching function to picture and drawing 2D scientific diagrams of laboratory equipment.
View full descriptionStrand: 1. Nature of Science
Strand unit: 1. How Scientists Work
Suggestions for use: There are slides with equipment name & picture - there slides could be printed and laminated as posters or printed 6 per page to use as student cards.
Full lesson PowerPoint with activities for students to engage actively in the lesson. Worksheets for activities provided and all schools in Ireland have access to the Dictionary of Irish Biography to research the scientists.
View full descriptionThe beginning of a new year with a blank canvas to inspire and aspire to.
Posters can inspire students to look at science from a different angle, perhaps relating science to a real-life phenomenon or aspire students to pursue a career in science. Where do you place your posters?
In this digital age we live in, students are masters of creativity and perhaps, we should dedicate an area in our classroom to celebrate students own creativity in the posters they create.
The following PDST Technology in Education videos demonstrates how three Science teachers use digital technologies in their science classroom.
Tools used include:
For more apps, visit The Pedagogy Wheel V4.1
Why re-invent the wheel when the wheel already exists? There are many national and international projects that already have resources for science teachers. Scoilnet has created a section to highlight these popular projects to teachers. Click on the STEM image to access the featured section.
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