Teaching a hands-on science class is a minor miracle in motion. How is it possible to guide thirty squirming twelve year olds to put on safety equipment, pick up lab materials, and safely complete step-by-step directions at 6 different tables, while cleaning up messes, and then analyzing their results, all in one class period? I am tired just typing that. I know what you’re thinking: the science teacher is superhuman. But this type of class is completely possible when we frontload the work necessary to implement student-led labs.
There is a method to this mayhem. Preplanned organizational systems are key to successful labs, stations, and group work. Your classroom setup on day one will either assist or hinder student learning throughout year.
Three things to do when setting up your classroom:
1. Plan Procedures First – Where and how do I want groups to pick up and clean up their materials? How will students form groups? Where will students turn in their work? I think through each of the systems before I decorate or set up my classroom in any way. Below are a list of procedures that I plan in detail each year:
- Getting into lab groups
- Putting on safety gear
- Picking up lab materials
- Student jobs during labs / group work
- Cleaning up
- Turning in classwork
2. Label Everything Based on Your Systems – Make each part of the room setup clear, to you and to your students. This helps you stay organized and keeps your students accountable.
At each student desk/seat, place a label with a group number and an individual role letter:
You can use these labels on individual desks or on tables:
This way students remember their lab group number and you can easily send different students to do jobs. It is easier to say “Person A, go to the lab supply pick up and get the tray with your lab materials” than it is to say a student name for each group every time. You can also assign student lab roles using the individual letters.
After labeling desks, use color-coded group numbers to label lab supply pick up. You can put them directly on the counter or on a tray. Also, use them for things like lab coat hooks, folders, and bins for turning in work throughout the room.
In order to make things simple for students, use consistent colors. Lab group #1 will always be green. Lab group #2 is always yellow, and so on.
3. Things Have Places – I know, I know, this one sounds like something your mother would say growing up, but a science classroom can quickly fall into disarray if it is not consistently maintained. Keep certain sections of the classroom used for the same purposes. For example, lab supply pick up should always be in the same place. This creates routine, and eventually allows students to run the lab without much teacher help at all.
In addition, keeping lab supplies stored in the same place will save you time and frustration when setting up or restocking your lab. This also allows you to use student helpers to put away all lab equipment at the end of the day. Place labels on cabinets (with pictures of the equipment) to make this incredibly easy for students and to save you time!
As teachers, we pride ourselves on being clear and consistent in instruction. This should be no different in our organizational practices. Sticking to these basic principals in classroom setup with save time in the classroom and energy after the bell rings.
How do you set up your classroom for success? Leave your suggestions in the comments!