Classroom discussion is a great way for students to explore the science that relates to their lives.
This pdf and the films on the web link give ideas for different discussion formats that will really help you structure a lesson.
All the formats are designed to encourage participation and help students feel comfortable expressing their opinions
Total Darkness is a web-based game which can be played for free on any browser: https://totaldarkness.sciencemuseum.org.uk
Total Darkness uses digital storytelling to help children recognise how the skills they have and use everyday are useful to STEM.
When developing the game, we undertook a huge amount of research to make sure it was based on SMG’s approach towards informal science learning – what we call science capital. Science capital is all about helping people see that science is a subject beyond the classroom, part of everyday life and something everyone can be part of and do.
Learning outcomes:
Recognise using scientific skills like asking questions, team work, finding and using evidence, communication, creative problem solving, curiosity
Understand the relevance and usefulness of science skills in our everyday lives
Make a personal connection with a science experience
Hands-on experience with greenhouse gas molecules, that helps your students to understand how these molecules keep our planet warm. Students discover which gases are greenhouse gases - and how they affect Earth’s energy budget. Using modelling clay, cable ties and cocktail sticks they will produce models of methane, carbon dioxide, nitrogen, argon and water vapour and explore what makes a greenhouse gas.
Ice cream is basically droplets of fat from milk suspended in millions of tiny crystals of ice, fluffed up with tiny pockets of air.
This activity from the Science Museum shows you how to make the right mixture then make it cold enough to create those ice crystals without the aid of a freezer – and reveals how salt and ice make a chilling combination. A great activity for exploring changes of state and the properties of matter.
Learning outcomes:
- Investigate the properties of different states of matter and how they look and behave differently
- Use observation and questioning skills
- Recognise how different states of matter behave have useful applications in our everyday lives
Curriculum Links:
KS2 & 3 Science: States of matter
KS2 &3 Science: Working scientifically
A downloadable booklet of fun science activities using everyday ingredients, with notes for teachers. This booklet contains step-by-step instructions for science activities and experiments that are safe and easy to do in the classroom or at home.