A great science lesson

What makes a great science lesson?

Of course, there is no single answer to this question but there are a few general principles that you may want to consider when planning and teaching a science lesson. This report from the EEF, Improving Secondary Science, is a good source of ideas.
The great science lesson

First, start by considering what you want your students to know and do. Then, think about how this relates to previous learning. You can then consider the best ways to introduce and teach those ideas, making sure there is sufficient time for students to think about and use those ideas before moving on. Finally, despite the best explanations and activities, students will likely learn different things from what you intended so consider how you will use assessment to inform what happens next.

  1. Planning lessons: the EPIBA approach
  2. Clearly defined lesson objectives
  3. The Do Now
  4. Activate prior knowledge
  5. Challenge your students
  6. Use a context
  7. Challenge all students appropriately 
  8. Use direct instruction to provide clear explanations
  9. Model abstract ideas in concrete ways
  10. Use questioning to probe understanding
  11. Check for understanding – give and get feedback
  12. Troubleshooting – why did it go wrong?