Students can better understand scientific concepts by observing them directly.
An effective science education requires that teachers provide students both with the theoretical framework for scientific inquiry and also an environment in which students can perform experiments to locate answers to questions. Therefore, science classrooms often draw on a broad range of approaches that are not as often used in other subjects.
Vocabulary
Teachers must give students science vocabulary so that they can talk about science-related topics. Teachers can provide the definitions of the words; use the words in scientific contexts so that students understand how the words are typically used; and ask the students to write essays in which they incorporate the words into the paper. The vocabulary words may be a part of the student's assessment, especially if the state standards dictate that the student understand the vocabulary. However, students will also need to know the vocabulary to engage in class discussions.
Essays
Essays give students an opportunity to demonstrate their understanding of scientific concepts in their own words. Also, essays allow students to explore topics that they find interesting, allowing them to maintain an interest in science as a whole. Students must process science information before they can talk about the information in their own words.
Science Experiments
Science experiments allow students to understand concepts by actually applying them to real-life experiences. Science experiments allow students to learn skills such as teamwork and improvisation. Students can carry out their own experiments in science projects, which allows them to pursue their own interests. As the students present their information to the class, they teach their fellow students about various topics while reinforcing their own understanding. Also, students can practice presentation skills when showing projects to other students. In project-based science classes, the teacher not only serves the role of instructor and evaluator, but also acts as a mentor and facilitator, guiding students through their own discoveries.
Teaching Concepts
Teachers must explain scientific concepts to students. One of the foundational concepts in science is the scientific method. Every other topic that students learn is based on this method of inquiry. Teachers can explain these concepts orally or through the textbook and worksheets, but some students need visuals to help them understand concepts. Projectors can allow teachers to enlarge graphics depicting scientific processes, and computer simulations can provide motion. For example, a simulation depicting the precipitation cycle can show water evaporating, condensing and precipitating. Teachers must not only teach students isolated scientific concepts, such as the second law of thermodynamics, but also help students understand the overall scientific context.
Questions and Assumptions
Science teachers help students get used to asking questions and avoiding assumptions. Individuals sometimes make assumptions regarding the natural world. Scientists attempt to identify these assumptions and conduct experiments that can either verify or disprove the assumptions. Teachers must question the assumptions of their students and encourage the students to ask questions.
Tags: scientific concepts, Teachers must, allow students, students understand, experiments allow, experiments allow students, give students