Below is a step-by-step guide for developing stimulating learning experiences within the science classroom. One should use the following steps as guidelines as opposed to absolute rules. Your intuition and best judgment will play a significant role in making the experience a success. Lastly, one must exercise patience, as the growing environment is optimal when there is limited interference.
Step 1: Choose a classroom of students who could use some added nutrients for growth
Step 2: Begin by assessing the soil and preparing for planting
o Discover student background knowledge through group discussion and brainstorming activities
o Identify misconceptions to explore
o Create a stress free, supportive environment
o Build suspense
Step 3: Plant the seeds
o Present a real-life science problem
o Plant some cognitive dissonance
o To create the best yield, maximize the amount of thinkers at any given moment
o Ensure that students are getting their hands dirty
o Incorporate real and perceived risk
Step 4: Exercise patience and allow room for growth (note: this step may take the most time)
o Although you many want to continuously water, stop! This will only inhibit growth
o Allow for some struggle and room for creativity to emerge
o Sprinkle with surprise elements
o Give freedom to experiment and room for self-discovery
o Most importantly: be flexible
Step 5: Time to Harvest
o Facilitate student centered debrief session
o Be accepting of all opinions
o Instill a sense of accomplishment
Step 1: Choose a classroom of students who could use some added nutrients for growth
Step 2: Begin by assessing the soil and preparing for planting
o Discover student background knowledge through group discussion and brainstorming activities
o Identify misconceptions to explore
o Create a stress free, supportive environment
o Build suspense
Step 3: Plant the seeds
o Present a real-life science problem
o Plant some cognitive dissonance
o To create the best yield, maximize the amount of thinkers at any given moment
o Ensure that students are getting their hands dirty
o Incorporate real and perceived risk
Step 4: Exercise patience and allow room for growth (note: this step may take the most time)
o Although you many want to continuously water, stop! This will only inhibit growth
o Allow for some struggle and room for creativity to emerge
o Sprinkle with surprise elements
o Give freedom to experiment and room for self-discovery
o Most importantly: be flexible
Step 5: Time to Harvest
o Facilitate student centered debrief session
o Be accepting of all opinions
o Instill a sense of accomplishment