I don’t know about you, but as a middle school science teacher, I was always looking for ways to teach my students how to work better independently. Not only was it frustrating when certain students couldn’t get anything done without constant handholding, but also alarming that many very bright students struggled to exhibit independent work skills that they would need in the very near future for high school. Any opportunity I could find to channel my students’ energy into something engaging that also taught important life skills was one worth taking advantage of! Let’s chat about a great way to teach students about time management, task completion, and perseverance: independent projects for middle school science!
Fortunately, independent projects teach helpful skills that students can carry with them throughout the school year. However, finding times when these types of activities work best can take some careful planning. Independent projects don’t just have to be filler for the end of the school year when everyone’s brains are half-melted and the thought of covering any more standards makes you break out in a cold sweat. They’re a great way to promote critical thinking, creativity, and research skills at various points throughout the year.
When you think you have found a great reason to assign an independent project, begin your planning by creating a timeline for the project. While independent studies are fantastic ways to engage students, they can be time consuming if you don’t put limits in place.
So, how do you avoid the pitfalls of messy, disorganized projects that go nowhere? Here’s what I’ve learned:
Middle school students aren’t exactly known for their stellar time management skills. So, what a great opportunity this is to teach a skill that students will use throughout the rest of their lives! And, I’m sure their parents will thank you for it!
Break the project into chunks with clear deadlines for each step. But, don’t expect students to follow these guidelines completely on their own. Time management is something that needs to be taught and reviewed frequently. I like use a step-by-step approach that includes setting a research question, conducting a literature review, and drafting a final product.
It’s a good idea to build in checkpoints along the way when students HAVE to show you their progress before moving on. Since students are working independently, you can actually have time to sit down one-on-one with each student for a real conversation!
Some students need a little extra hand-holding, and that’s okay. This is a time for you to give a little more TLC to them and perhaps have some discussions about how they can work more independently over the course of the next few weeks. During the independent project, offer additional support through scaffolding tools like graphic organizers, checklists, or an independent work packet for younger students or those who struggle with organization.
Open-ended projects offer a rare opportunity to let students explore their interests and develop real-world problem-solving skills in ways that something like a research paper or test can’t quite do. If your students are into gaming, coding, or the arts, guide them to incorporate those passions.
One year, I had students create escape rooms as part of their physical science projects. Watching them try to stump their classmates with puzzles based on basic principles of force and motion was awesome and truly a breath of fresh air from the monotony of a typical lesson plan.
Guide students in navigating the research process, from finding reliable sources to organizing their data into a coherent story. Requiring an oral presentation helps them polish their communication skills. Not to mention, independent study projects aren’t nearly as exciting if students don’t get a chance to see each other’s hard work!
Pro Tip: Have students rehearse their presentations in small groups before the big day. It’s a perfect way to boost their confidence and catch any last-minute hiccups.
Okay, so now you know the why, the when, and the how. But what in the world do independent projects look like for the specific needs of your middle school classes?
Ah, the classic science fair. Equal parts stress and triumph, but it’s a rite of passage for many middle school students (and teachers). Even if you’ve never run or participated in a fair before, I’ve got you covered with some of my resources!
Resource 1: Science Fair Project — This resource includes a comprehensive student booklet, teacher tips, rubrics, checklists, and sample final products. It’s a great starting point if you’re new to this!
Resource 2: Check out my blog post on running a middle school science fair.
For students interested in computers and stem fields, Code.org is a great resource. It provides project ideas that develop technical skills in computer science and artificial intelligence. If you’re new to Code.org, try looking into their Hour of Code campaign with your students to get your feet wet!
Have some artsy students? The American Chemical Society runs an annual contest tied to chemistry themes. This year’s topic is glaciers — a perfect tie-in for earth sciences. It’s a creative way for students to explore scientific fields through art and graphic arts. Learn more here: ACS Illustrated Poem Contest.
Looking for some pre-made independent projects for middle school science? I’ve got you covered with some resources from my shop that apply key concepts from various middle school science units. Take a look at a few of my favorites:
It’s never a bad idea to ask your students for suggestions. After exposing students to the fun of independent projects, ask them for suggestions for future projects. Here are some example ideas, but I’m sure your students would love to come up with some more on their own!
Independent projects for middle school science are a perfect way to foster creativity, build critical thinking, and develop research skills. With clear guidance and engaging options, students can turn their curiosity into incredible learning experiences. Give them the right tools and watch the magic happen!
