Hands-on Science Group Activities and Student Responsibility

I like to organise my Grade 3 students in small groups when conducting hands-on Science experiments.  I have found that an effective way to manage students while working in groups is to give students responsibilities for carrying out certain activities.  I have used the Mark Hackling model for group work which provides students with the roles of 'Manager, Speaker, Director or Reporter'.  I have also modified / extended these roles depending on the needs of the task or students, for example, 'Equipment Collector and supervisor, Recorder, Time-Keeper, ICT Co-ordinator'.  Students love having responsibility and I find this allows me the time to rotate, observe, make anecdotal notes or assist / support students where necessary, while all students know and understand their roles in their group, enabling them to work more independently.