What do you do with Science models?

I feel like there are a lot of unused Biological charts and models sitting in the back of classrooms as decorations.  I have always wanted to have access to these beautiful models, but once I get one, how do you use it with a class full of 25+ students and ONE model? 

I inherited several of these in the classroom I moved into, and I've tried to find new ways to make use of them.
 


One way I've discovered is through station work.  As students move around the room, only 3-4 of them are investigating the model at a time. 



This works well some of the time, but I found recently on one of my models that it has screws on the back and can be taken apart!  This has allowed me to separate it into five parts and use it much more successfully.

I have students rotate through and I ask them to identify specific letters or numbers and then discuss the function of that part with their classmates as they progress. 


You could even ask them to find their favorite YouTube video explaining how that organ works, or connect it to diagrams in their text to make comparisons and find differences.  It's always nice to compare why an author chose to include or leave out certain information in their artwork.


I also have a lovely poster with overlays I use for the same purpose.  I feel like it's helping me get more use out of these resources that previously were just dusty decor.


If you've got access to some models you're not using, maybe you should revisit the options available for students to enjoy them, while getting up out of their seats and interacting with one another to help cement their memory of the information.


If you're interested in seeing what other things I like to do in my class, check out my store on TPT for free and paid items.  Thanks!

Molecular Workbench

One of my favorite Chemistry resources is Molecular Workbench.  This site, run by the Concord Consortium, offers online simulations for chemical concepts that can be very difficult for students to grasp with only paper and pencil.  My students are currently working on the Strong Chemical Bonds 2-day activity, although I've used their Intermolecular Forces module as well, with great success.  Both of these are a part of the SAM "Science of Atoms and Molecules" project.  Their website describes SAM as...

The Science of Atoms and Molecules project offers 24 research-based, field-tested activities for physics, chemistry, and biology. We provide these all freely to teachers and students online. Through the SAM activities' interactive models and simulations, we involve students in active learning. Teachers can register online to receive Teacher Guides for each activity and to gain access reporting functions to track student progress.

One feature I haven't investigated yet, is the ability to modify and make the simulations personalized.  It's on my to-do list for sure, as I'm sure the features are excellent, just like the rest of the site.

Even without personalization, I've found their simulations to be very useful.

http://mw2.concord.org/public/part2/bondtype/customDipoleMini.html

Today my students are using electronegativity values to determine if bonds between atoms are covalent, polar covalent, or ionic.  Most students have the idea that only two types of bonds exist when they enter my classroom, and this allows them to see the continuum of bond types, as well as discussing why these types of bonding occur.  With only a verbal description, very few of my students can grasp this concept, but this allows them to manipulate the bonds themselves, and provides a much deeper understanding.

If you haven't checked out what Molecular Workbench has to offer - you should!