Science Circus!

After completing the science circus activity this week, it really got me thinking about how I would handle the chaos in my own classroom. Doing the entire thing in class really taught me a few things about what I would keep, and what I would change.

1. I thought it was great we got time in class to go through our own station first so we could work out the kinks ourselves. I thought it was crucial for us to get that time because it's one thing to come up with the idea for a station, but actually doing it is something else. I will for sure give my students that time to work on their own stations because for those reasons, and it will also give them the opportunity to be "experts" in their own area. 
2. If at all possible, I would do my best to have smaller groups. Ideally I would like three or four kids to a station because more than that gets a little too crazy. WIth that many people it's easy to get lazy or just fall by the wayside. I believe each person needs a job or else certain members of the group with do everything and others won't participate. I also believe it allows for better coordination because with fewer voices, the children's ideas will be heard. 
3. I loved that each table had a different focus. In a situation that could potentially be overwhelming, I think the sections provided some balance. I thought this was a great way to keep the students organized and also offer a little diversity among the stations. 

All in all I think science circus was a great experience. To be honest, I never really thought of doing stations in science class because the circuit seems like something reserved for literacy. But it was eye-opening to see that it actually is possible and provides children with so many valuable learning experiences. Especially, on so many different levels. Within the stations students are teachers, learners, scribes, communicators, observers, thinkers, and the list goes on and on. It also inspired me to look for some more ideas on the topic and I found this cute video. Enjoy!