![]() Science: One of the most valuable lessons my students learned was the CER (claims, evidence, and reasoning) strategy.The Fire Forensics module hits all the markers of STEM learning: It’s a model of cross-curricular learning. The best part of the student guide is the section that takes an in-depth look at the scientific method in fire investigation. The Investigators Notebook provides students with reading passages that summarize concepts, reflection questions, and opportunities to make observations and record their thinking. The teacher guide provided a road map of the module and has everything you need: lesson plans, a safety guide, Next Generation Science Standards alignment, and rubrics. All I had to do was set up the technology for the online portion and gather materials for the experiments. ![]() The entire unit is prepared by Xplorlabs. Students use the scientific method to ask questions, make observations, collect and analyze data, develop and test hypotheses, and come to conclusions. During the experiments, students put fire-science principles they’ve learned into practice. Then students do Xtensions to deepen their understanding through hands-on learning. The lessons build as students prepare for the culminating activity in which they identify and analyze fire scene evidence to make a claim, find and show evidence, and solve a fire-investigation case. ![]() They learn how to define fire, how it develops, and how the evidence left behind after a fire suggests its cause and where it started. The module starts with the basics, as students build an understanding of fire science. The Xplorlabs fire-forensics module includes various types of STEM activities for middle school.įirst, there’s the online digital platform, which includes engaging videos and interactive tools. The experiment really helped build my students’ confidence and motivated them to learn more. Next, we used a metal screen to look at a candle flame to observe combustion. Then we experimented with removing elements, one at a time. Using a candle, we looked at the three variables needed to create fire-oxygen, fuel, and heat. The first Xtension, which is a hands-on lesson, was a low-stress way to build necessary foundational knowledge. Let’s be honest, if you tell middle school students they get to investigate with fire at school, you’re going to capture their attention. Not convinced you should let your middle school students investigate with fire? Here are seven solid reasons you should. Since the resources come from Underwriters Laboratories (UL), a global safety science organization, all of the activities are designed to be safe for classrooms when done as directed.īy far, this was my students’ favorite activity of the year. Luckily, I found a module called Fire Forensics: Claims and Evidence from UL Xplorlabs, a set of free interactive online STEM modules that encourage students to think like scientists and explain real-world phenomena. Am I really going to let kids investigate with fire in my classroom? I imagined alarms blaring throughout the school and fire trucks racing to the scene. My students couldn’t believe I was going to teach a lesson that involves fire in the classroom. We can’t do anything that involves fire at school.” Then I stumbled upon some interactive fire-forensics STEM activities for middle school and decided to give them a try. You need to try this magic milk experiment using just milk, food coloring and dish soap.For the longest time, my middle school students have begged me, “Can we please blow something up?” And my answer has always been, “No way. Watch these food coloring burst and stream before your eyes. Ready for some fireworks… in milk? Ya, you read that right. Remember those lava lamps you had as a kid? With just a little bit of food coloring, vegetable oil, and alka seltzer, your kids will play with this one for a while. Let’s get started: 15 Very Simple Science Experiments They use ingredients you already have in your own home.That’s why these cool science experiments to do at home accomplish two things: I love seeing the look of wonder on my kids’ faces, but as a former teacher, I like to know that they’re also learning something too. ![]() These are the coolest science projects I found that are unique, magical and use only household items.įor me, kids activities need to have a purpose. ![]() Looking for a very simple science experiment to do at home with your kids? Maybe you need some ideas for summer or a rainy day. ![]()
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