Rally Table Science Observation Activity
A rally table is engaging and lots of fun. The students will only be able to communicate on paper. No talking! We know that is a challenge because a hands-on science classroom is not a quiet place.
1.
Divide the classroom into groups of 3-5 students.
Hand them a blank sheet of paper. Only one piece that they will be passed around.
2. Give them an item to observe. Such as a rock, an ice cube
melting on a tray, a glow stick, etc. We like to use balloons filled with the different states of matter.
3. The first person takes the item and the paper. They record one
observation. It could be a written description or a drawing. They
can only record one observation.
4. They pass the paper and item to the next person. The next person
looks at what observations are on the paper. That person can do one of two
things. They can add or change an observation another student wrote or
write a new observation. There is no talking during this time. They
pass the paper when done.
5. The paper and item continue to be passed. Each time the student
reads the observations that have been added. They decide if they want to change
one observation or add a new observation.
6. This goes on for 10-15 minutes or until you think they have had enough
time.
7. Now they can talk. Pass the paper around and each person can share
what they think of the observations. They can ask questions about other
student's observations. This will create discussion and allow students to
be able to see what observations look like.
8. Gather as a class and discuss the activity and go over the difference between observations, opinions, and predictions. Talk about the objects or the science concept in more detail.
Modification: Use a science demonstration. Place an item such as an Alka-seltzer tablet in water in the center of the group. They follow the steps above observing the demonstration. The teacher can also perform a science demonstration at the front of the room. This takes it up a notch and allows a science phenomenon to be the focus. A great introduction to a new unit.
Try these other fun Observation Strategies too.
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