Preparing to Teach Science

Breaking students into groups so that learning is facilitated is the best way I have found to increase science knowledge for every child. I specifically place students by ability into groups of 4 if possible, making sure there are equal gender and abilities of all levels. I then ask each group to assign a job to each member on the team and rotate the jobs daily, or weekly.

Principal Investigator:
The student who directs the group work, makes sure the tasks are being completed, and helps each group member fulfill the responsibility of her or his role.

Recorder:
The student who collects and writes the group’s ideas on Group Recording Sheets.

Materials Manager:
The student who oversees the collection and setup of materials and the cleanup and return of materials.

Reporter:
The student who presents the groups’ results to the whole class.