Beginning of the Year Science Activities
The beginning of the year brings with it a lot of excitement, especially in science. Students are often eager to start experiments and dive into the possibility of making things explode (which is far from the reality of my science classrooms). These teaching ideas will help you plan and prepare your science class with engaging beginning of the year science activities.
Beginning of the Year Science Activities: What is a Scientist?
The first few days are for setting up our science notebooks and establishing our routines. Once our class has a science notebook or folder to house all of our work, I start off by discussing what a scientist is and what a scientist does.
We read books about scientists and expand on what they already know. We talk about process skills and why it is important to make good observations when trying to solve a problem.
Introduce Science Safety!
Before starting science experiments in our classroom, I like to review our safety rules, routines, and expectations. Reviewing your class rules will help you avoid accidents and ensure your students know what to do in your class.
Make sure to go over the different ways scientists try to stay safe. Talk about the things they wear and the safety tools you have around the room. Also, think of scenario questions and have students reflect on if they are safe or unsafe.
Beginning of the Year Science Activities for teaching Science Tools
In addition to knowing your safety rules, it’s important to review the different types of tools scientists use. I like to allow students to see each tool and familiarize themselves with what each tool is used for.
Hands-on practice makes learning about a topic more concrete and allowing students to touch and feel each tool will make them feel more confident in seeing themselves as actual scientists in your class.
If you don’t have each tool, use pictures to show students the different types of tools. Have the students record what they know about each tool and why/when they might use a specific one.
We are ALL Scientists!
Try to carve out some time to discuss with your class that a scientist is a person who is continuously questioning the world around them. Teach them that they are scientists and that they will be learning through observation, experimenting, and problem-solving.
I like to give my class an activity where they draw a picture of a scientist. Once they are done we talk about what they drew. Then we discuss how not all scientists wear goggles and a lab coat. This is a great segway into discussing the different types of scientists and fields of science around the world.
Discuss Questions We Have This Year!
One of the last activities I make sure to include in my lesson plans is surveying each student to see what they are most excited to learn about in class.
I use a simple worksheet to see what the students are wanting to learn more about in science and throughout the year. It is a great way to see what your class is interested in. It is also an easy way to boost engagement when you incorporate your students’ passions into your lesson plans.
Grab My Beginning of the Year Science Activities!
All of the pictures in this post are part of my “What is a Scientist, Science Safety, and Science Tools Activities and Worksheets” unit. The unit includes lesson plans, vocabulary, activities, labs, QR codes, and more! It has all you need to kick start your science class at the beginning of the year.
Click HERE for the printable unit and HERE for the digital version. OR save money by purchasing the paper and digital bundle HERE.
Starting the year off with these beginning of the year science activities, will help you inspire your students to become scientists in your classroom. I hope these activities help you introduce science to your class during the first few weeks of school.
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