Lab Mapping: A Student Driven Data Organizer

What is lab mapping? A treasure map of information for students to use as they complete a lab/activity. Providing students with a map or organizer before a lab activity or other classroom task. It is a way for students to read over the instructions and dissect them before they begin. In a 50-minute class this very well may take place the day before or at the end of the class or for homework. As we all know students often DO NOT read the directions. This forces them to get organized and completely understand the instructions before beginning the activity.

What should the lab map look like? You can design it based on your grade level but they should all include boxes where students can answer the following questions or collect the following data:

1. Sketch and label all the materials you will be using in this lab/activity.
2. Draw symbols and explain all safety considerations you must follow during this lab/activity.
3. Draw and label the set up of the lab/activity-be specific and include every step with a simple sketch.
4. What are the learning objectives or expectations of the lab/activity. What are you expected to know after completion of the task.
5. Explain the data that will be collected. or State the problem or questions that will be determined at the end of the lab/activity.
6. Define the science concepts or vocabulary that will be addressed in this activity/lab.
7. What resources will be used during this activity/lab. Notes, text etc.
8. What predictions do you have prior to beginning the activity or lab.
9. How does this activity/lab connect to the unit we are studying?
10. How does this activity correspond to previous units?

On each table have two stacked cups a red one and a green one. While students are completing the lab map the red cup should be on top. After students complete the lab map they can let you know it is time to check it by changing the color of the cup on their desk to green. This is an easy way to monitor the tables as you are walking around the room. Also, assign each student a role in the group, this can be done randomly, assigned for purpose or by student choice. The following roles have worked well for me with this strategy.

1. Monitor Procedures
2. Manage Equipment
3. Record Data
4. Monitor Time
5. Question Asker-only one that can come ask the teacher a question or raise their hand for assistance

After completion of the activity/lab have students write a reflection comparing their lab map with the lab sheet. This will help students see the importance of lab mapping and reading all of the instructions carefully before beginning an activity. Lab mapping is a great way for students to get organized before a lab/activity by putting the responsibility of learning and reflection in their hands and assuring that they are well-prepared before they take the first step. This also builds confidence and helps with collaboration.

Below are some examples of lab maps you can utilize in your classroom: