Inspired by an Easter egg hunt last spring, I recently decided to make my Earth Science rock identification lab more interesting by modeling it after this annual spring rite. Something about taking the class outside has always excited students, and this day was no different. I went out ahead of time and placed the rock samples around the courtyard.
Freedom Gained
Once the students were outside, they travelled around observing each sample, recording their thoughts and determining their origins. I encouraged each student to capture the samples with either a camera or phone for later use. Many students blogged directly from their phones-
this post is an example. The real litmus test was after class numerous students told me that they had had so much fun while they were learning! Two students even expressed interest in geology as a career that day.
Challenge Yourself
Choosing to bring my students outside that day didn't seem like a huge deal at the time, but now that I look back it was. I took the same samples that would have been placed around my classroom and made it more realistic and relevant for the students. Adding in fresh air and mobile freedom didn't hurt either. Reflecting on this experience I'll definitely challenge myself to broaden the experiences that students have during class, because who knows, that will increase the chances they'll continue learning and exploring once they go home.
