How To Do a Science Activity for the Classroom

Scientific activity usually takes place in the laboratory. However, unless it deals with instruments and materials used in the lab such as volatile chemicals, it is better done in the classroom.  The reason for this is, you can easily demonstrate important scientific concepts between lectures or during the time allotted for classroom discussions. Your students can easily appreciate the points you just discussed to them if you can immediately hold an activity in which they can visualize what you said. 

Remember, the volumes of science literature can be too much to digest even for those above-average students.  However, if you can teach using hands-on or visual methods which help students grasp the topic, your class will definitely benefit. Here are the steps you should take to do a science activity in the classroom.

1. Before anything else, define a clear set of objectives.  Just like preparing a lab activity, you need to put into writing what you expect to achieve at the end of the exercise.  The objectives will cover your expectations for the students and for yourself as the teacher.
2. Make a name for the activity you designed.  If possible, give it a catchy name, one that can immediately grab the attention of the students.  Of course, you can always use standard scientific terminology to help reinforce the lesson.
3. Gather together a number of resources which cover the subject.  Any practical activity should be founded on a sound theory.  Many science books could provide you with these, but do not just content yourself with the textbooks being used in your school.
4. For every activity, have the students write out the planned activity and formulate a hypothesis.  You may tell your students what the hypothesis should be, or you can draw this out from them during a pre-activity discussion.
5. Write down the procedure of the activity in detail.  Whenever possible, make sure that the activity can be completed in one session.  Include enough time for discussions after the activity.  Your students will certainly be more enthusiastic if the discussion takes place immediately after the activity has been completed, rather than having to wait until the next day.  It is important to allow them time to talk about it.
6. Involve as many students as possible.  Make it a class or unit activity. Do not limit the participation to just a few handpicked or volunteer students.  Give everyone a chance to learn by practice through this classroom activity. If not, at least make certain that you include everyone in the orientation so they will know what will happen and what to expect.

Get your students' feedback after the activity.  This is important in order to find out their level of appreciation for the activity.  This can be the noisy part, but it is best that you can hear what each student in the class has to say.  This will also serve as your gauge in measuring the success of the science activity.