Introducing new equipment into a unit or lesson can easily become too much to handle for our excited fourth graders. Self control becomes very difficult when new tools are taunting them in the back of the classroom (I can relate!). One way that I like to help my students make good choices is by introducing new tools at the beginning of a unit before we actually need them for investigations.
Students were given the opportunity to take part in a “Science Tool Scavenger Hunt”. They had a chance to spend an entire science period exploring, investigating, and practicing with these tools. Eventually, we would be using the science tools for our next few science lessons on “How Scientists Collect and Use Data”.
Students practiced measuring force with a spring scale, mass in a pan balance, temperature with thermometers, and length with tape measures/rulers. It was awesome to be able to let students have a less structured opportunity to engage their curiosity and explore their new science tools.
Keep curious my friends,
Ms. Goins, 4th Grade Teacher
