Teaching Science On A Virtual Platform
No one was quite prepared for virtual learning but as I continue to perform my virtual assembly shows, it’s amazing to see how many teachers and administrators have risen to the challenge to ensure no student gets left behind. Some subjects are easily adaptable to a virtual platform. English and Foreign Language classes are mostly oral lessons that simply require the right paperback or textbook. Math mostly requires a pen, paper, and a calculator. But what about Science? So many abstract concepts, principals, and theories benefit from hands-on demonstrations or supervised experimentation to fully illustrate. Other topics require equipment like microscopes. It makes science a tough topic to recreate in a digital atmosphere.
As the study of the natural world, science asks us to question everything. To identify problems, form hypotheses, investigate, analyze our findings, and then share them with others. Science inspires us to create conversation and helps us strengthen our critical thinking and problem solving skills.
One of the biggest struggles when it comes to virtual learning is finding that emotional connection with each and every student, motivating them to pay attention and get involved. When you don’t have that face-to-face interaction, how do you achieve that emotional connection? With a virtual science school assembly!
Virtual Science School Assemblies
In “Fall In Love With My Virtual Assembly Show” I covered some of the benefits of virtual school assemblies:
- Accessibility. Virtual assemblies don’t require a physical space so you can watch it anywhere, anytime, on any device.
- Socially distant assemblies. Now more than ever it’s essential to practice proper health and safety procedures. A virtual platform means a no-contact performance for maximum safety.
- Live and interactive. Your students still get to see a live performance and every student gets to participate, thanks to the simple yet amazing experiments that require only a single sheet of paper.
- Engaging, Exciting, and Educational. Even the greatest teachers can still have dry lessons when they’re forced to teach material dictated by a state curriculum. Virtual assemblies give teachers a break and students are engaged with a hands-on approach.
My “Superhero Science” Virtual Assembly Show is the perfect precursor (or replacement) to your school’s science fair!
Snowy Science Experiments
Face it: children LOVE snow. They love snow days and snowflakes, snowball wars and snow forts, snowmen and snow tunnels. So why not take that love of snow and use it to entice children into trying something they probably don’t love as much: science!
Hands-on teaching can be some of the most memorable lessons. When a student is engaged and having fun, they’re paying attention. They’re retaining information (even when it seems like they’re ignoring you). Rather than make you come up with your own snowy science experiments, here are some great resources you can find online:
- “Snowflake Science” by The Home School Scientist: Learn how snowflakes are formed, why they’re different, and how to capture your own snowflakes! Go to page.
- “How Does Atmospheric Temperature Affect the Water Content of Snow?” by Science Buddies: This is actually a science fair project idea for older elementary school students. Learn what makes snow light and fluffy or heavy or wet. Go to page.
- “How to Make Frost in a Can” by Steamsational: Regardless of the weather, you can make your own frost at home! Go to page.
- “Sticky Ice Science Experiment” by Playdough to Plato: Use salt and string to pick up ice without touching it! Go to page.
- “Melting Ice Experiment” by The Chaos and The Clutter: Discover what substances in your pantry, such as sugar or salt, melt ice faster! Go to page.
- “Make Ice Instantly” by Steve Spangler Science: Learn how to instantly freeze water in a bottle with a single slam. Go to page.
Have fun and happy experimenting!
