Mimio Educator

Three Labdisc Physical Science Labs in 20 Minutes

Posted by Jonathan Lockwood on Tue, Oct 15, 2024

Boxlight STEM Wednesdays Presenter Jonathan Lockwood

Discover the potential of quick and effective science demonstrations! Join Jonathan Lockwood, Boxlight STEM Training and Development Specialist, in the “Three Labdisc Physical Science Labs in 20 Minutes” webinar, where he will show how the Labdisc All-in-One-Science Lab or Xploris STEAM Lab can simplify popular physical science experiments, making them accessible for students from elementary through high school.

Physical science instruction can feel disconnected without hands-on experiences, making it harder for students to grasp key concepts. Tools like the Labdisc portable lab and Xploris STEAM solution tackle this issue by bringing interactive, enquiry-based learning into the classroom and beyond. Labdisc enables exploration anywhere, while Xploris integrates coding, data logging, and art for creative, real-world problem-solving. Read on to discover how these solutions boost student learning and engagement.

Building a Strong Science Foundation

Physical science explores the principles of matter, energy, motion, and forces, forming the foundation for understanding the natural world. In K-12 classrooms, students study topics like the properties of matter, electricity, magnetism, and chemical reactions.

For 3rd graders, a common activity is investigating how different materials conduct heat, supporting Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) to "test forces and their impact on an object's motion." In 10th grade, students might explore Newton’s laws of motion by experimenting with force and acceleration, as part of NGSS goals to "analyze data to support explanations about the relationships between forces and motion."

Are today’s students truly connected with key physical science concepts?

Physical science instruction often feels disconnected without hands-on experiences, making it harder for students to grasp essential ideas. Tools like the Labdisc portable lab and Xploris STEAM solution address this by bringing interactive, enquiry-based learning into the classroom and beyond. Labdisc allows for exploration anywhere, while Xploris integrates coding, data logging, and art for creative, real-world problem-solving. Read on to discover how these innovative solutions enhance student learning and engagement.

Elementary age students using Labdisc to measure temp of different liquids.

Empowering Hands-On Science Learning Everywhere

Imagine a classroom where students actively explore real-world science—tracking temperature changes during a physics experiment or measuring the effects of different variables on plant growth. With the Labdisc All-in-One Science Lab, this hands-on learning becomes the norm. Labdisc empowers students to engage in enquiry-based activities across subjects like physics, biology, chemistry, and environmental science, fostering curiosity and deeper understanding. For example, 9th graders can use Labdisc to investigate the relationship between force and acceleration, collecting and analyzing data in real time.

The portable, wireless Labdisc features up to 15 built-in sensors, allowing for easy experimentation without complicated setups. Ready to use with zero setup time and a long-lasting battery that supports projects for up to 150 hours, Labdisc makes science accessible anywhere—encouraging meaningful connections with the material. For today’s educators, Labdisc offers an effective solution for boosting engagement and ensuring lasting STEM skills.

Elementary age students using Labdisc to measure temp of different liquids.

Engaging K-5 Students in Physical Science with Xploris

The Xploris All-in-One STEAM Solution offers exciting possibilities for physical science instruction while inspiring creativity and curiosity in K-5 students. By integrating science, technology, engineering, art, and math, students engage in hands-on activities that explore key physical science concepts. For example, Kindergarteners can measure how ice melts in different environments, while 5th graders can analyze temperature changes during heating and cooling experiments, both utilizing Xploris’s temperature sensor to collect real-time data.

Designed for portability and ease of use, Xploris encourages young learners to think critically and dive into physical science topics through fun, educational experiences. XploriLab software enhances exploration with modules for data logging and art, promoting essential skills like problem-solving and collaboration. By blending art and technology, Xploris is an invaluable tool for schools seeking to provide engaging physical science learning alongside other STEAM subjects.

Array of MyStemKits lessons and activity pages.

Standards-Aligned STEM Curricula for Educators

The MyStemKits STEM Curriculum, bundled with Boxlight STEM solutions like the Robo 3D printer, Labdisc, and Xploris, offers an all-in-one solution for enhancing STEM education. With a vast library of over 740 standards-aligned resources, including ready-to-print 3D models, STEAM design challenges, and virtual kits, MyStemKits ensures that educators can use their STEM products effectively. Designed for K-12 students, the curriculum promotes hands-on, real-world learning experiences that foster critical thinking and problem-solving skills, preparing students for future careers in STEM fields.

Each MyStemKits subscription includes access to comprehensive lesson plans, teacher guides, student handouts, and assessments, all developed by education researchers. The curriculum covers a wide range of subjects and grade levels, allowing teachers to easily browse and implement content tailored to their classrooms. By integrating STEM tools with engaging curriculum, MyStemKits helps create a deeper conceptual understanding of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

Essential Technical and Soft Skills Development

Integrating Labdisc and Xploris into the curriculum not only enhances technical skills but also nurtures vital soft skills that students will need in their future careers. Some key competencies that students develop through these hands-on experiences include:

  • Creativity: Engaging with Labdisc and Xploris encourages students to think outside the box as they design experiments and explore data, fostering innovative solutions to scientific challenges.

  • Collaboration: Many projects using these tools involve teamwork, allowing students to learn how to work effectively with others, share ideas, and provide constructive feedback.

  • Critical Thinking: As students analyze real-time data and troubleshoot issues during experiments, they enhance their analytical skills, enabling them to assess problems and develop effective solutions.

  • Adaptability: The iterative nature of experimentation teaches students how to adjust their approaches based on findings and insights, a crucial skill in today’s rapidly changing world.

  • Technical Proficiency: Familiarity with data collection and analysis tools like Labdisc and Xploris prepares students for future careers in STEM fields, providing a strong foundation for further exploration and learning.

 

Small group of students using Labdisc All-in-One Science Lab to measure electric current of a battery.

Inspiring Future Scientists and Engineers

Hands-on experiences with science tools, such as sensors and data measurement instruments, can significantly reshape how students view careers in science and engineering. Engaging in activities that involve collecting and analyzing data not only demystifies fields like environmental science and engineering but also encourages students to envision new possibilities within these disciplines.

By utilizing tools like Labdisc and Xploris for experiments, students gain confidence and develop essential skills, preparing them for potential careers in areas such as environmental research, mechanical design, or biomedical engineering. This integration of hands-on learning with technology fosters a genuine passion for science and engineering, empowering students to pursue professions they might have previously thought unattainable. As they explore and experiment, they shape their identities as the next generation of innovators, ready to tackle real-world challenges.

Join Us for the Webinar

Unlock the potential of engaging science demonstrations! Join Jonathan Lockwood as he showcases how the Labdisc All-in-One Science Lab and Xploris STEAM Lab simplify popular physical science experiments. This session is designed for students from elementary through high school, empowering educators to create dynamic classroom experiences. Enhance your teaching toolkit with effective demonstrations that inspire curiosity in physical science. Don’t miss this opportunity!

Explore more educational ideas and strategies from our STEM Wednesday Webinar Series.

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