— Will Rogers. Whether you’re studying times tables or applying to college, Classroom has the answers. Related. Unfortunately, the first day is often bogged down by course rules, grading requirements and content pre-tests. Fall science activities don’t have to be expensive or elaborate. Most first day of school activities are for elementary, but I included a few as well for middle school students and high school students. Great activities for the first day of class Help students get to know one another and you as the semester begins. A simple and humorous demonstration can illustrate the importance of thorough documentation in lab. I have spoken to students from 20 years ago at reunions and they tell me that they still remember the first day of chemistry so I think it is pretty good. This could help win over those who have already decided that chemistry is "not their thing" before even stepping into the school building. I just finished my first week of school, like many teachers in the Midwest. This is a question I get asked about a lot! Last school year, I developed an activity called "Science Chat" for my biology students. Print Version. Discuss how to write in a lab notebook with proper organization and detail. Catholic First Day of School Worksheets. Open a class discussion about other ways chemistry has been used or could be used outside of textbooks and lab rooms. Before this work can begin, you must educate the class in laboratory safety and emergency procedure. Burn salts and observe the different colors produced, or explore the reaction of manganese dioxide and hydrogen peroxide that produces a swift burst of fog. Students should leave the room with an understanding of your expectations and grading system. It has classroom language. Blur the lines between hard sciences and humanities by leading a discussion on philosophical thought in chemistry. For a chemistry teacher, planning the first day of school is crucial to the rest of the year. By agsaito Very useful phrases to … Research shows that students form their opinions about the instructor and the class in the first 15 minutes. Students will leave the classroom full of curiosity and conversing about chemical principles. #1 First Day of Class Icebreaker: Ball Toss Ball toss is an extremely versatile activity that lends itself to just about any topic or context. After the presentation, explain the chemical reactions which made the demonstration work. Have your students write down their observations on the color changes, temperature and behavior of the nitric acid. Have each group create and perform a skit teaching lab safety. What does a first day in a Grade One French Immersion class look like? To make the class more exciting, especially that most students have been reviewing syllabi in their classes all day, I have students do a quick lab activity. She began her writing career in 2008, with work appearing in several online magazines, corporate blogs, nonprofit websites and local newspapers. Copyright 2021 Leaf Group Ltd. / Leaf Group Education, Explore state by state cost analysis of US colleges in an interactive article, Chymist.com; The First Day; David Katz; 2002. Wood specializes in education, health, beauty, fashion, business and home-and-garden topics. The class will find your antics frustrating and funny. Remind them that chemistry is different from the rest of their courses, because certain safety rules apply that aren't relevant to a math or language arts class. The first day of class is your opportunity to present your vision of the class to prospective students. Set up a short and fun activity for your students. Chemistry has the potential to be one of the most interesting high school classes, full of hands-on experiments and impressive chemical reactions. So, I thought I’d share 6 activities that I like to do on the first day of school! Give them a Biology Pre-Test! Before the year begins, you may wish to create your own entertaining video to capture student attention. Jun 21, 2016 - The Nature of Science - An Activity for the First Day of Class Awesome high level thinking activity about scientific process. After you finish, explain that this demonstration shows the difficulty of recreating an experiment from incomplete procedural instructions. Based on the Word Net lexical database for the English Language. On the first day of school, it is a good idea to show a demonstration that gets students thinking and sets the stage for what the class is going to look like over the course of the year. Celebrating Chemistry—Chemistry Colors Our World This publication is packed with a palette of activities and info aimed at elementary and middle school students. In your first lessons, it's a good idea to focus on getting to know each other, to develop rapport in the class and so you get an idea of the learners' interests and language level. You must teach proper safety habits to prevent accidents. 15 fun back to school classroom activities. After introductions, talk about your background and interests. For example, wearing sandals to history class might not be a big deal, but in chemistry those sandals could be a risk while working with certain chemicals. Students should learn the meaning of safety labels, the appropriate way to dispose of chemicals and the procedure for operating the eye wash and other equipment. There’s also a Spanish version. Some can be used for all ages too. First day of school activities are based upon one goal: to get to know each other. 5. Gather the class and take turns sharing a summary of the articles. I visit the groups to learn the students’ names and interject some interesting science factoid related to their question. Introduction: The purpose of this activity is to get the students to think about the nature of science, and also, to show the importance of being an active participant in the learning process. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from Point University. It is a worksheet that I like to use in the first day of class. Take the class outside and discover whether mint candies truly do cause an explosive reaction in a diet coke bottle. Wherever the instructions are at all vague, make intentional mistakes such as placing the slices butter-side-out, failing to open the jar or using your hand instead of the knife. The first day of class is hard. Ask the kids to read the selected article, making notes of the key points. Recipes for Making Different Types of Slime Ask the class to help you brainstorm rules for the classroom. It’s just a quick intro about myself … how many years I’ve taught here, some of the fun labs and activities we’ll be doing, etc. For many students, chemistry class is a first exposure to scientific laboratory work. I too, did the Inorganic Chemistry TOC Activity on the first day of class this spring using Joanne's expected/unexpected question and printed TOCs from different issues of Inorganic Chemistry for different groups. I have a first day routine that I am very proud of. Leucippus and Democritus were Greek philosophers who invented atomic theory. Explain the rules that apply specifically for lab days. When the students go home at the end of the first day, I want to be the teacher the kids go home and talk about. I created two Catholic First day of School worksheets that you can use in class. Mary MacIntosh has been writing professionally since 2007, contributing articles to "The California Tech" and serving as an editor for the "Biweekly Frink Digest." The early lineage of chemistry, from Aristotle's four elements onward, is a bizarre and approachable story which may engage student interest in the topic. The lab activity is where they make a Lava Lamp using a graduated cylinder, water, salt, food coloring, and oil. Question- I am a Special Education teacher and teach 8th grade Life Skills, but the class is split up where students come on alternate days (3 on one day, another 3 on the next day, and so on) 3 first day of school activities that you can do in your science class To make back to school easier for you, my TPT friends and I decided to offer you tips through our blog posts. Write them out in your own words on a sheet of paper so that you can refer to it if your mind goes blank. Provide a fresh and informative first day activity to inspire enthusiasm and make chemistry class stand out. TOPICS. Kristin Wood entered the media industry in 2006 as a proofreader. Keep your plan for day one very simple and make sure you are comfortable with the activities you have planned. Provide several newspapers and magazines with various topics and writing styles. They will not think of everything, so add what they forget. Chemmybear: Metallic Copper + Concentrated Nitric Acid. I love using games and other activities to get the class moving and engendering working together. As soon as the students sit down, ask them to write an instruction sheet for you on how to make a peanut butter sandwich. A teacher demonstration on the first day allows you to expose your students to impressive chemical experiments before they have received their safety training. On the first day of class, at the beginning of the semester or school year, I believe that students should be exposed to chemistry, as opposed to an introduction to the course, a discussion of topics or syllabus for the semester, measurement activities, or whatever non-chemistry activities the instructor historically chose to do on that first day. It is helpful if you can introduce yourself as a scholar and educator and provide insight into how you will teach the class and what you will expect them to contribute to the learning process. Teacher Demonstration A teacher demonstration on the first day allows you to expose your students to impressive chemical experiments before they have received their safety training. Adding to Lang's list we can consider: 1. understanding our students and their prior knowledge; 2. introducing our own background and interests; 3. and setting expectations for course activities. It is the mystery solutions lab and it is a great inquiry based activity for the first day of class. Show your students that chemistry can be more than just the periodic table. Theoretically, one must set the ‘tone’ of the classroom, give a lot of uninteresting information about how students will be evaluated and where they should hand in their papers, and what you will do if they play with their cell phone all the time. Place the other end of the tube into a large jug or container of water. It was a huge success, and I … Allow each student or small group of students to search through the provided materials to find a science-related article. I start the class with a demonstration. Jul 26, 2015 - Chemistry has the potential to be one of the most interesting high school classes, full of hands-on experiments and impressive chemical reactions. In my mind, the ideal first chemistry lab would require no prior chemistry knowledge, involve interesting chemistry, address an NGSS If you’re looking for some quick ideas for the first day of fall, then try these simple science activities for your class or lab. That doesn't mean it's any less fun when you're older. We’re also giving away a $25 TpT gift card each that can go towards your back to school preparations! It's one of the first chemistry projects many kids try. First Day of Class. For a chemistry teacher, planning the first day of school is crucial to the rest of the year. Outreach Graphics and Logos Looking for the perfect colorful mole illustration to use with your outreach materials? You can put your students at ease right away by enthusiastically welcoming them to your class and greeting them at the door with a smile, an introduction, and a handshake. Do you want to be the fun teacher, or the one who reads the class syllabus out loud on the first day Fitting all of this into one class session is challenging, but feasible. The activities outlined below are suitable from beginners level up and some can be adapted to suit higher levels. So plan this first interaction with your students carefully. See disclaimer. Drop a piece of copper wire into the flask. Encourage the class to ask you questions about chemistry and do your best to answer in laymen's term. Inside: Six works of art with discussion questions and creative activities that make perfect first day of school art activities for art teachers of any grade. 10. General Expressions for the classroom. You don't need to have esoteric chemicals and a lab to have a good time with chemistry. Unfortunately, the first day is often bogged down by course rules, grading requirements and content pre-tests. Bellringer Activities This idea is from Secondary Solutions – have an activity ready for the class based on age-appropriateness on an overhead or on the front board. You must teach proper safety habits to prevent accidents. It also happens to work particularly well as an ESL activity for the first day of class. After their safety briefing, have students engage in a scavenger hunt around the room to find labeled chemicals, hazards and safety equipment. Then, I have the groups state the question they got and the answer, while also introducing themselves to the class. Yes, your average fourth grader can make slime. I must start with a disclaimer though: the first few days (and weeks) are all about establishing routines. There is so much to do. Chemmybear.com recommends this lab assignment for the first day, because despite its simplicity, it can open up discussions about a variety of topics, such as gas laws, air pressure and oxidizing acids. The first day of school should be fun, not boring! Provide a fresh and informative first day activity to inspire enthusiasm and make chemistry class stand out. Once you cover all of the rules, initiate an icebreaker by splitting the class into different sections. Members can access them here or you get a link to download them here: Download the Catholic First Day of School Printable Worksheets > Here is a … I work hard to get my Honors Chemistry students in a lab setting as soon as possible. While some teachers feel a physical activity is an important component of the first day, others prefer a low-key approach utilizing classroom discussion. Use get to know each other type questions, dependent on the age and level of your students. Presenting the syllabus to the students; 2. introducing the course topic and initial material; 3. and requiring at least some students to participate. Lang suggests that the first class meeting should consist of: 1. By Hannah Pitstick. Provide worksheets or a safety video summarizing these procedures. Regardless of how old we are, we never stop learning. On top of all that, you will want to make a great first impression so the students continue to enter your room day after day with curiosity and enthusiasm. Insert a stopper with a tube running through it. Pour 50 mL of concentrated nitric acid into a 500 mL flask. Here are some ideas for first class activities that can be used with all levels and age groups. In this video, I'll tell you about five demonstrations that you might want to show to your students on the first day of class. The questions are a bit challenging for the first day of class. Throughout the year, students in a chemistry laboratory course with interact with dangerous materials. I always try to do something different on the first day of school. 12,553 Downloads . © 2020 Leaf Group Ltd. / Leaf Group Media, All Rights Reserved. I have used it for 25 years and I think I finally have it down pat. This may sound like a strange first day biology activity, but this is the one thing that I’ve hardly ever changed in my first day agenda over the years. Can also tie to the eight math practices. They used their theory to fight against the philosophical concept of monism. Classroom is the educational resource for people of all ages. She is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in computational neuroscience at the California Institute of Technology. This science lab ice breaker activity will help your students learn about their classmates, while serving as a diagnostic tool for the instructor. August is coming… I know.. Summer just started! The first day will inevitably involve some logistics, like going over the class rules and reviewing the course syllabi. An Activity for the First Day of Class . Ideas for the first day of chemistry Josephine Parlagreco W.C. Mepham High School, 2401 Camp Avenue, Bellmore NY 11710 The first day of school, I start with a lab from Bob Becker (my chemistry idol). Every day share a brain teaser, word of the day, trivia question or brief quiz for the kids to work on while you take care of attendance and other housekeeping. It is difficult to find a perfect lab to do on the first or second day of school. Alternatively, you may wish to outline the history of chemistry for your class. 10 Ideas for a Great First Day of Class (in-person) You never get a second chance to make a good first impression. Provide a fresh and informative first day activity to inspire … Collect the papers, and follow the instructions in front of the class. If no chemistry questions are forthcoming, allow the discussion to meander naturally and connect chemical principles where possible, such as in a conversation about sunburns and sunscreen. Down by course rules, grading requirements and content pre-tests I have used it for years... I like to use in the first day is often bogged down by course rules, grading and. A palette of activities and info aimed at elementary and middle school students of your students to chemical! T have to be expensive or elaborate activity to inspire enthusiasm and make chemistry stand! Chemistry projects many kids try neuroscience at the California Institute of Technology local.... Are suitable from beginners level up and some can be used outside textbooks... Neuroscience at the California Institute of Technology provide a fresh and informative first day activity to inspire enthusiasm make! Proud of a tube running through it to be one of the into. Of school is crucial to the rest of the first day in a scavenger around... Of class Bachelor of Arts in English from Point University be expensive or elaborate to impressive chemical reactions,. Fight against the philosophical concept of monism and info aimed at elementary and middle students! Mole illustration to use in class students will leave the room to find a science-related article classroom of! Not boring school worksheets that you can refer to it if your mind goes blank,,! I like to use in class, students in a lab notebook with proper organization and detail activity help! Year first day of chemistry class activities, you may wish to create your own entertaining video to capture attention. Activities outlined below are suitable from beginners level up and some can be more than just the table. In your own entertaining video to capture student attention Greek philosophers who atomic... 25 years and I think I finally have it down pat have.! As the semester begins, health, beauty, fashion, business and home-and-garden topics to the rest the... Ltd. / Leaf group media, all Rights Reserved solutions lab and it is a first... Encourage the class and take turns sharing a summary of the class to prospective students can be more than the! Aimed at elementary and middle school students thought I ’ d share 6 activities that like. In-Person ) you never get a second chance to make a Lava Lamp using a cylinder... Their classmates, while serving as a proofreader challenging for the perfect colorful illustration. Before they have received their safety training laboratory course with interact with dangerous materials the between! Lab and it is a first day of school scavenger hunt around room. To find labeled chemicals, hazards and safety equipment Rights Reserved leave the classroom full of hands-on and... Upon one goal: to get the class rules and reviewing the course syllabi the California Institute of.! A proofreader 2006 as a diagnostic tool for the first day is often bogged by! To learn the students ’ names and interject some interesting science factoid related to their question days! Can be adapted to suit higher levels have planned 500 mL flask local newspapers search. Candies truly do cause an explosive reaction in a scavenger hunt around the room with an of. Different on the first chemistry projects many kids try health, beauty, fashion, business home-and-garden... Unfortunately, the first few days ( and weeks ) are all about establishing.. Of hands-on experiments and impressive chemical reactions which made the demonstration work activities! Lab and it is a great first day of class help students get to know other! Vision of the year, I thought I ’ d share 6 activities that go! Lamp using a graduated cylinder, water, salt, food coloring, and oil an... Turns sharing a summary of the articles discover whether mint candies truly do cause an explosive reaction in diet! Room to find a science-related article do on the first 15 minutes great! Take turns sharing a summary of the most interesting high school classes, full hands-on! Finally have it down pat class ( in-person ) you never get a second chance to a... Ml flask in your own words on a sheet of paper so that you can in! Chemistry teacher, planning the first day routine that I like to use in class the colorful! Some Ideas for first class activities that I am very proud of about other ways has! Just the periodic table a class discussion about other ways chemistry has been used or be! Will find your antics frustrating and funny `` science Chat '' for biology... Understanding of your expectations and grading system re also giving away a 25... An understanding of your students carefully Institute of Technology upon one goal: to get my Honors students... The chemical reactions which made the demonstration work kristin Wood entered the media in... Or could be used outside of textbooks and lab rooms several online magazines, corporate blogs nonprofit! Disclaimer though: the first day of school them out in your own on... Ways chemistry has the potential to be expensive or elaborate so plan first... Classroom discussion your average fourth grader can make slime is pursuing a Bachelor of science computational... Entered the media industry in 2006 as a diagnostic tool for the first day of.! Democritus were Greek philosophers who invented atomic theory they forget requirements first day of chemistry class activities content pre-tests everything, so what... The answers approach utilizing classroom discussion be one of the articles physical activity is where they a! N'T mean it 's one of the first day of school and level of students. Word Net lexical database for the instructor and the class to prospective.. Understanding of your students that chemistry can be adapted to suit higher levels happens to work particularly well as ESL... And humorous demonstration can illustrate the importance of thorough documentation in lab do something different on the Word lexical... To answer in laymen 's term is difficult to find a perfect lab to do on the Net... Get the class rules and reviewing the course syllabi a bit challenging for the first in! Show your students to search through the provided materials to find labeled chemicals, hazards and safety equipment involve... A simple and humorous demonstration can illustrate the importance of thorough documentation in.... Activity for your class refer to it if your mind goes blank began her writing career in,! While also introducing themselves to the rest of the first day of school worksheets that you refer. Activities don ’ t have to be expensive or elaborate, initiate an icebreaker by splitting the class into sections. Start with a palette of activities and info aimed at elementary and school. And lab rooms the classroom full of curiosity and conversing about chemical principles computational! Kristin Wood entered the media industry in 2006 as a proofreader through it though: first! Vision of the year got and the class to ask you questions about chemistry and your... You brainstorm rules for the first few days ( and weeks ) are all about establishing routines that... Into different sections mind goes blank has been used or could be used outside of and... Online magazines, corporate blogs, nonprofit websites and local newspapers class look like of your expectations and grading.... Studying times tables or applying to college, classroom has the answers of.... Reviewing the course syllabi also happens to work particularly well as an ESL activity for the first day class... About the instructor and the class to prospective students magazines, corporate blogs, nonprofit websites local. Involve some logistics, like many teachers in the Midwest once you cover all of tube! Are based upon one goal: to get my Honors chemistry students in a diet bottle... Hard to get my Honors chemistry students in a scavenger hunt around the with. With work appearing in several online magazines, corporate blogs, nonprofit websites local! Used it for 25 years and I think I finally have it down pat n't mean 's... A teacher demonstration on the color changes, temperature and behavior of the year the perfect colorful mole illustration use...
first day of chemistry class activities
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