Labs and Directions...

Doing labs with the classes this week was not what I expected.  I struggle with understanding why it is so hard to follow directions or simple requests.  My students have lockers within feet of the classroom and yet continue to bring stacks of books and binders to a science classroom.  We have no room for extra materials.  I don't allow materials to be placed on the floor.  I have made chair packs to place necessary items in when the tables need to be clear, but they are being stuffed past capacity with the mega-binders and other class' textbooks.  Here is my solution to the problem with the chairpacks - they are no longer to be used to "hang" the books on the back of the chair.  Now the chair packs will hang so the books are stored right behind the student on the seat.  It should lead to better posture.  :-)


As for the following directions - that has the possibility of the classes not being able to participate fully in labs.  I will do demonstrations and a single lab that everyone can just record.  I tell them that safety is first and following directions is key to safety in a science lab.  I don't know if I am willing to try again, but I know I won't be trying anything very soon.  It is disappointing as I think science needs to be hands-on and active, but I won't take chances with safety, and I won't let them develop bad habits in my class (such as not following directions).  We shall see what the rest of the year brings...