Small Group Science Remediation: Engaging Students with Technology and Hands-On Learning

 

Small Group Science Remediation: Engaging Students with Technology and Hands-On Learning

Introduction: Why Small Group Remediation Matters

When students struggle with complex life science concepts like photosynthesis, cellular respiration, and mitosis, targeted small group remediation can make a huge difference. In my Life Science classroom, I worked with three students who needed focused instruction in these areas, right before our end-of-quarter exam.

By pairing strategic technology tools with hands-on learning activities, I was able to engage these learners, support different styles of thinking, and ensure concepts clicked in meaningful ways.

Day 1: Photosynthesis with Visual Sorts and Interactive Whiteboards

Our first session zeroed in on the reactants and products of photosynthesis. To help students visualize and understand these components, we used card sorts and image-based activities.

🌍 Culturally Responsive Tip: Encourage students to find their own examples of photosynthesis, whether it’s crops from their family farm, local trees, or plants from their neighborhood. This taps into the idea that the way we interpret visuals is influenced by our cultural backgrounds (Hatcher, 2012).

Tech Tool Spotlight: Whiteboard.fi

• Use virtual whiteboards to allow students to map out connections between images and science vocabulary.

• Let students draw arrows, add explanations, or even upload their own pictures.

• Accessibility Bonus: Whiteboard.fi allows for typed or drawn responses, offering options for students with different needs.

🔄 Low-Tech Option: Use laminated card sorts with dry-erase markers. Have students physically connect reactants and products, then explain their reasoning aloud.

Day 2: Connecting Cellular Respiration and Photosynthesis through Argument Writing

On day two, we tackled the relationship between cellular respiration and photosynthesis, exploring how these processes depend on each other to sustain life on Earth.

🌿 Student Task: Write a CER (Claim, Evidence, Reasoning) to explain why these processes are essential and what could happen if plants stopped absorbing carbon dioxide.

Tech Tool Spotlight: Newsela

• Assign articles at students’ independent reading levels.

• Focus on global topics like carbon sinks, deforestation, and rainforest preservation.

• Accessibility Bonus: Newsela provides adjustable Lexile levels and read-aloud features.

💬 This argument-based strategy helps deepen understanding through evidence-backed reasoning, a method shown to enhance sustainability awareness in students (Salsabila, Wijaya, & Winarno, 2019).

🔄 Low-Tech Option: Print out a few short articles or book excerpts about ecosystems. Have students highlight evidence directly on the paper and build their CER responses.

Day 3: Mastering Mitosis with Gamified Learning

The final day focused on mitosis, a challenging concept for many students because of its abstract nature.

🎮 Gamified Learning with BiomanBio Mitosis Mover Game:

• Students actively engage by manipulating chromosomes through each phase of mitosis.

• The game requires players to condense, align, separate, and split cells, reinforcing content through action.

• Accessibility Tip: The game includes visuals and text, though it’s a good idea to check if students need audio support or screen reader compatibility.

💡 Creative Extension: After playing, ask students to create real-world analogies for each phase. Example:

“Anaphase is like a game of tug-of-war between chromosomes.”

🔄 Low-Tech Option: Use printable mitosis flipbooks or paper plate models where students draw and label each stage manually.

No-Tech and Low-Tech Alternatives for Rural Classrooms

If internet access is limited, here are some easy swaps:

Lesson Focus	Tech Tool Used	Low-Tech Alternative
Photosynthesis visual mapping	Whiteboard.fi	Card sorts, printed images, and poster boards
Argument writing with real-world issues	Newsela	Printed articles, local library resources
Gamified mitosis exploration	BiomanBio game	Printable mitosis sequencing cards or flipbooks

Final Thoughts: Meeting the Needs of All Learners

Successful remediation isn’t about reteaching the same way, it’s about providing multiple pathways to understanding. Whether using technology or hands-on activities, offering choices and connecting content to students lived experiences fosters deeper engagement and ownership.

📝 Remember:
Always preview digital tools for accessibility features like closed captions, screen readers, or read-aloud options. When possible, give students voice and choice in how they demonstrate their learning.

Free Download: Remediation Plan Graphic Organizer

I’ve created a Remediation Plan Graphic Organizer you can use to map out your own small group lessons! This includes space for Topic, Objectives, Activity Details, Teacher Notes, and Tech Tools.

Click here to download the free PDF organizer! 

Works Cited

Hatcher, Susan. Teaching with Objects and Photographs: A Guide for Teachers. 2nd ed., Online Submission, 2012. ERIC, https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=eric&AN=ED534983.

Ladson-Billings, Gloria. “Is Meeting the Diverse Needs of All Students Possible?” Kappa Delta Pi Record, vol. 47, no. 1, 2011, pp. 13–15.

Salsabila, E. R., Wijaya, A. F. C., and Winarno, N. “Improving Students’ Sustainability Awareness through Argument-Driven Inquiry.” Journal of Science Learning, vol. 2, no. 2, 2019, pp. 58–64. ERIC, https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=eric&AN=EJ1226172.