HYFLEX LaBS in Middle School

Science during the COVID-19 pandemic has provided numerous challenges to classroom teachers.  First and foremost is science requires first hand exploration of the world using physical objects (in many cases).  So how do we as science processionals provide hands on learning opportunities in a way that upholds current social distancing practices and safety measures?  Here's  few thoughts.

Paper based disposable labs.  Printed manipulatives, like creating 3-D objects and models is a great way to allow students to visualize possible outcomes of various scenarios.   Be sure kids have their own scissors and colored pencils, this eliminates the need to share and disinfect.

Mini Labs:  Provide students with brief 5 to 10 minute learning opportunities at the lab table.  For example, find 5 things that have a mass of 10 grams (for a metric lesson).  At the end of their lab session, students return to an independent practice activity on their Chromebooks. During the transition, the teacher will disinfect all lab materials.  Websites that work well with this model include Ed Puzzle, Readworks and Quizizz just to name a few.  The key to any kinds of hands on learning is to make it short, students shouldn't be at a lab table more than 15 minutes.  Use materials that are non porous, that makes them easy to disinfect.  Be sure to wipe everything down as students rotate.  And always try to keep them six feet apart.
Check our our metric lab bundle that can be easily used in a Hyflex Covid classroom.