CSEL SCIENCE
Promoting Partner and Small Group Work
(middle school)
Note: Also see Interactive Reading example that highlights how students work individually or with a partner to read grade-level science text, answer comprehension questions, and debrief as a class.
Lab Work
Description of key features:
A
Students work with a partner and take on specific roles during lab activities. In this example, one student drops the ball while the other student measures the bounce height. Students switch roles so each partner has a chance to practice both parts of the procedure.
B
Students practice lab procedures before collecting data in the full lab activity. Step-by-step directions and labeled photos help students understand what to do, how to use materials, and how to work with their partner.
The image below shows part of a lab activity from Session 5.4:
Drop Heights and Energy Insights. In this activity, students work with a partner to investigate how drop height affects bounce height and how potential energy changes to kinetic energy when a ball is dropped. Numbered circles in the image highlight key features that are explained below.
