For each lesson, students synthesized the learning by writing logical, coherent reflections in their student notebooks. In addition, I appreciated the inclusion of language arts. Mathematics: As part of their data collection, students learned to calculate surface-to-mass ratios and the heat of combustion.What do we do about the fact that synthetic materials burn so fast? What else could we use? It also got them to think about design: How could we design furniture (and other things) so that, if they catch fire, they burn less rapidly? Engineering: Students were inspired to think about innovative solutions for real-world problems.My students were exposed to technology they didn’t even know existed as they observed the different ways in which scientists simulate and build fires. Technology: Many of the interactive videos were filmed at the UL Fire Lab.
They then made a claim based on the evidence. After building scientific background knowledge, they formulated a meaningful question, tested it, and applied reasoning based on their expertise.
All I had to do was set up the technology for the online portion and gather materials for the experiments. The entire unit is prepared by Xplorlabs. Students use the scientific method to ask questions, make observations, collect and analyze data, develop and test hypotheses, and come to conclusions. During the experiments, students put fire-science principles they’ve learned into practice. Then students do Xtensions to deepen their understanding through hands-on learning. The lessons build as students prepare for the culminating activity in which they identify and analyze fire scene evidence to make a claim, find and show evidence, and solve a fire-investigation case.
Science experiments for middle schoolers how to#
They learn how to define fire, how it develops, and how the evidence left behind after a fire suggests its cause and where it started. The module starts with the basics, as students build an understanding of fire science. The Xplorlabs fire-forensics module includes various types of STEM activities for middle school.įirst, there’s the online digital platform, which includes engaging videos and interactive tools. The experiment really helped build my students’ confidence and motivated them to learn more. Next, we used a metal screen to look at a candle flame to observe combustion. Then we experimented with removing elements, one at a time. Using a candle, we looked at the three variables needed to create fire-oxygen, fuel, and heat. The first Xtension, which is a hands-on lesson, was a low-stress way to build necessary foundational knowledge. Let’s be honest, if you tell middle school students they get to investigate with fire at school, you’re going to capture their attention.
Not convinced you should let your middle school students investigate with fire? Here are seven solid reasons you should. Since the resources come from Underwriters Laboratories (UL), a global safety science organization, all of the activities are designed to be safe for classrooms when done as directed.īy far, this was my students’ favorite activity of the year.
Science experiments for middle schoolers free#
Luckily, I found a module called Fire Forensics: Claims and Evidence from UL Xplorlabs, a set of free interactive online STEM modules that encourage students to think like scientists and explain real-world phenomena. Am I really going to let kids investigate with fire in my classroom? I imagined alarms blaring throughout the school and fire trucks racing to the scene. My students couldn’t believe I was going to teach a lesson that involves fire in the classroom. We can’t do anything that involves fire at school.” Then I stumbled upon some interactive fire-forensics STEM activities for middle school and decided to give them a try. For the longest time, my middle school students have begged me, “Can we please blow something up?” And my answer has always been, “No way.
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