One of our constraints when we brainstorm and develop these particular lesson outlines is that the materials be inexpensive and easily obtainable. I personally like the idea of students working with real science equipment (beakers rather than plastic cups, for example) if it’s available to them. But realistically, if all math and science teachers in a school are conducting these lessons then there wouldn’t be enough to go around anyway. So, the inexpensive materials are the way to go.

Thanks for your comment!

Thanks again!

I couldn’t agree with you more on the importance of teamwork and collaboration in the 21st century classroom. It is a MUST! As you say, developing a working model in a classroom requires patience and time. Our students are middle schoolers and “sharing” doesn’t come naturally to them at this stage of their lives. However, speaking from experience, it is well worth the effort. I spent many years attending workshops and institutes that began with the old “cooperative learning model”, constructivist approach, and now evolved into “collaboration” to take from the best and tweak a model that works for me. What have I learned? Basically, if you take the time to establish procedures and protocols for collaboration, students will feel empowered and you will see amazing things happen socially and academically.