Changing The Meaning of a Science Experiment

Date: 12/27/22

"It was a regular science class. Except it wasn't regular. Today was evaluation day and our principal was coming to our class to view how a regular lesson goes. Now, this class was the most boring of all. We read textbooks and did online worksheets. So when I overheard a science experiment was taking place today - joy was evident on my face. However, it quickly dissolved into disappointment when my teacher handed everyone a sheet of long and detailed instructions we were to complete for the "experiment." She called it hands-on learning and that we were actually learning science. We were just reading instructions."

This is an excerpt from the education column, "Why Science Matters" and it touches on a topic quite familiar to a lot of us. Science experiments. However, just like this student detailed, they often turn out to be a failure on the part of the curriculum - pursuing the notion that by reading directions, students will be able to understand science.

A typical school science experiment consists of materials, instructions, and confusion. Students read instructions, complete them, reach a "discovery" and write about their experiment. This is simple for the teacher as it promotes stability and cohesiveness across the class. It also brings peace of mind that students are not just reading textbooks, but completing "hands-on" work. Nevertheless, this method of teaching is no less effective than an assigned textbook chapter.

Students need to be able to have freedom. To play. To discover and create.

These ideals can be promoted through the new method of science experiments "Science Freedom Exploration." Students are given materials in a stable environment and instructed to do whatever they would like with the materials (within reason). The teacher sets a timer - and they're off! There are no instructions. Students do whatever they like, engaged in true learning. Teachers tend to walk around facilitating the learning and ensuring that all students are following safety protocols. At the end of the given time period, students participate in clean up and then they hold a discussion talking about their findings.

This method has many benefits. Students are able to freely explore with no restraining instructions. They are able to be tested on science skills as opposed to scientific knowledge. Students practice discussion skills - sharing ideas as real scientists would.

Some are concerned that students are not able to gain the material needed that traditional experiments would provide. I would argue that knowledge should not be the main purpose of experiments and Science Freedom Exploration allows students to gain far more valuable skills. And if completely necessary, teachers can input their own findings.

Overall, Science Freedom Exploration allows students to truly learn, battling the traditional method of learning.