During the first few weeks of school, you are trying to get things organized. In fact, it can feel like they last forever. After finding some activities, for instance, you may notice they are full of fun but sometimes not totally educational activities! What if I could help you with educational activities for science? I thought I would finish my science series with a post about easy experiments to do in class during the first few weeks of school!
Easy Experiments to do in Class (during the first few weeks)
It is always a great idea to review and go over the parts of science students will use during every science lesson and science experiment they work on. For example, I always like to review key vocabulary and aspects of science that students often just forget about during the summer months but is really important.
Exploring Science/STEAM/STEM
I like to start with some simple science for the first couple of days. This idea of simple science includes some STEM or STEAM activities like the strongest tower of cups and a glue stick experiment. It gets students engaged, but neither is it time-consuming nor involves too many directions.
Simple Science Experiments
When thinking about easy experiments in class, you want to also think about what students will learn from them. Do you want them to learn about chemical reactions or surface tension? It may be tempting to dive right in. Still, during those first few days, it is good to find easy science experiments that review important concepts like the scientific method, observations vs. opinions, etc.
Simple Materials for Simple Science
The best science experiments for kids are ones you can easily set up and tear down, especially during those first few weeks. I always include cool science experiments with materials like paper towels, food coloring, dish soap, and baking soda. Materials I can find easily in the grocery store or even in my kitchen cabinet.
Besides, when you have simple ingredients, you can really focus on the scientific concept you are either teaching or reviewing!
Science Experiments For School
First, fun science experiments can be really educational during the first few weeks. It is important to show just how much fun students are going to have during the year. Also, you will need to review or teach key terms and parts of science. You’ll want easy experiments to do in class will make this process a little smoother.
You may be thinking,” I don’t feel like I need to review concepts like investigations vs. experiments or qualitative or quantitative observations.” or “my students remember everything from last year.” However, you’ll see it is always better to review concepts your students already know than to find out in the middle of the year during a more in-depth investigation with many materials, questions, and expectations that they have NO IDEA what a variable is!
Where Do I Get These Back to School Simple Science Experiments for Kids?
You could spend a lot of time on Google or go website to website looking for a simple experiment. Additionally, you’ll need experiments that would fit into your curriculum.
Back to School Science Experiments
I have been working very hard on my Back To School Science Experiments! These experiments are simple and easy to follow, making them perfect for the first couple of days or weeks. In fact, these science experiments use everyday household items, making them a breeze for you to prepare for your students.
These easy experiments to do in class will have your students using hands-on investigation skills!
Fun Beginning Of School Year Science Stations and Back to School Science Experiments includes:
- UnPOPpable Baggies
- Which Glue Stick Brand Works the Best?
- Which Hoop Flyer Design will Travel the Farthest Distance?
- What Keeps Your Hands the Cleanest?
- Tallest and Strongest Cup Towers
Nature of Science Bundle
Finally, you may be looking for a little more than just 5 easy experiments to do in class. I have you covered there too! If you are looking to review (or teach) the essential concepts I mentioned, like the scientific method, observations, etc. I suggest grabbing my Nature of Science Bundle!
These Nature of Science lessons require very little prep time to introduce and teach the steps in the scientific method, observations, variables, experiments versus investigations, repeated trials, and control groups. Each scientific method activity lesson includes learning goals, specific teacher directions, a recording sheet for a hands-on science experiment, and even a quick assessment.
Ditch the typical scientific method activity worksheets and turn your science class into an exciting hands-on learning environment.
Scientific Method Worksheets and Activities Bundle includes:
- Teacher Directions
- Learning Goals
- Materials for Lesson
- Foldable Notes
- Hands-On Activities
- Experiments
- Investigation
- Student Recording Sheet
- Exit Slips
- Checklist to Document Student Understanding
- Answer Keys
✨ Scientific Method Topics Included:
- Steps in the Scientific Method
- Observations vs. Opinions
- Qualitative vs. Quantitative Observations
- Independent, Dependent, and Controlled Variables
- Investigations vs. Experiments
- Repeated Trials
- Control Groups
- Scientific Method is Not Always Used by Scientists
- Experiments Should Be Replicable by Others
So, that’s it! The first few weeks can be easy to plan and implement. Use your time wisely and set your class up for succession further science investigations and science experiments!
Don’t forget to check out my other science series posts:
Science Classroom Supplies List
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