Do you have a science lesson to plan, and have no idea what to do or where to start? I’ve been there. Sometimes it can be hard to plan interesting lessons that keep your kids engaged.
Whether you’re just starting out, an experienced teacher or homeschooler, these ideas will help you plan the perfect lesson that is fun, educational, and overall memorable!
1. Start with a BANG!
The best kind of lessons are the ones that spark your student’s curiosity. Why not grab those kids’ attention with a fun question, a video, or even a cool demonstration that gets them in the learning spirit! There are so many videos that I’m sure they would love to watch and try themselves.
For example: “What happens if we mix baking soda and vinegar?” BAM. They’re interested already.
Alternative
It’s always fun to learn new things hands-on, because who doesn’t love experiments? Mel Science would be a perfect addition with your lesson planning if you’re all about hands-on learning. They have an amazing variety of experiments, so you will never run out of ideas!
Watch this video to learn more about the kind of experiments they have in their subscription plan:
Click Here to visit Mel Science
2. Embrace not knowing everything
Kids will have questions. Lots of them! There might be times we don’t know how to answer them, and that’s okay. Embrace it, and whenever you don’t have the proper answer, say “Great question! Let’s figure it out together”. It will show your students that science is all about discovery.
Like they say – When kids ask questions, that’s your moment to shine as a teacher.
3. Use extra resources
Sometimes, using resources can help you save so much time on lesson planning. That is why I created Workbooks in a variety of science topics. My Exploring Science workbooks include structured daily activities designed to promote academic success, helping them ace the class!
Click Here to check out these Amazon Workbooks
4. Plan for Active Participation
Make sure to include opportunities for group work, discussions, or Q&A time. There are many different ways you can incorporate participation.
Different ideas for participation
Think-Pair-Share Activity:
Include an open-ended question related to the lesson they are learning. For example, in a lesson about ecosystems, ask:
“If one species in this food web disappears, what happens to the ecosystem?”
Students think individually, discuss with a class mate, and share their ideas with the class. You can also include an interactive activity so they won’t forget it!
To go with my example, here is an Interactive Notebook Activity included in my Food Chains set.
Interactive Science Journals:
Provide some questions, prompts, or any interactive activities to fill out during the lesson. You can create a variety of interactive journal activities – but if you want to save time, I have a BIG Science Interactive Notebook Bundle.
5. Love the mess!
Science can get messy—and that’s okay! Mud, slime, and explosions might freak out the janitor, but they’re a hit with kids. Just plan cleanup time and have aprons handy. These types of experiments are the best way to teach kids in ways they will always remember.
6. Quizzes – but make it fun
Quizzes are a great way to see what your kids have learned, but they don’t always have to feel like a drag. Try Kahoot! quizzes or science scavenger hunts to check if they really understand the concepts. You can even have them “present” experiments to truly make them feel like little scientists! So many options that make learning so much more than just reading and testing.
7. Break it down
When teaching a big topic, it’s important to simplify it into smaller, manageable parts. This makes it easier for your students to process, understand, and retain the information.
Here’s why it’s important:
– It prevents overload: Smaller steps are easier to understand and remember.
– It builds understanding gradually: Your kids will feel more confident as they learn one step at a time.
– It keeps your kids engaged: Taking moments to check their understanding will ensure that they stay focused til the end.
Planning a successful science lesson doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By setting clear objectives, including hands-on activities, and stimulating curiosity, you can create an enriching learning environment for the little ones. Remember, the goal is not just to teach science but to inspire a love for discovery that will stick with your students forever. When they actively participate and see science as a part of their everyday lives, those lessons become that much more impactful.
So, whether you’re a teacher or a homeschooler, these tips can help you plan your lessons and see those creative minds at work. Keep experimenting and learning – because great science teaching starts with well thought-out planning and ends with inspired learners ready to explore the work around them.
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