| aidemia--modules-lessonstartideas_type | Give a creative idea how to begin a lesson |
| Which subject | Science |
| What age group | Doesn't matter |
| What topic | Substances and mixtures |
| Quantity | 1 |
| Any other preferences |
To engage students in exploring the concept of substances and mixtures through a hands-on activity that sparks curiosity and initiates critical thinking.
Begin the lesson by bringing in the closed box and placing it at the front of the classroom. Explain to the students that inside this box is a collection of mysterious substances and mixtures. Ask them to imagine what could possibly be inside. To elicit excitement, tell them that they will have the opportunity to investigate the contents and discuss what they observe.
Invite students to come to the front one by one and describe what they think is in the box based on its weight and shape. Encourage them to use adjectives such as ‘light’, ‘heavy’, ‘grainy’, ‘smooth’, etc. to categorise their thinking. This will help them make observational skills a focal point right from the start.
After some initial guesses, reveal the contents of the box. As each substance is pulled out, encourage students to classify it, explaining whether they think it’s a pure substance or a mixture. Use this opportunity to lead into discussions about the differences between substances and mixtures.
As students handle and look at the substances, guide the conversation towards definitions and examples of pure substances (such as elements and compounds) versus mixtures (homogeneous and heterogeneous). Use a whiteboard to chart their observations and keep the excitement alive as you move into the formal part of the lesson.
By starting with an interactive and sensory-rich experience, students are likely to be more engaged and eager to learn about substances and mixtures.
This approach encourages active participation while allowing students to draw on their prior knowledge and observational skills, setting a lively tone for the rest of the lesson.