2. Using instructional Media
The instructional devices prepared by the teacher take the
centre stage in this teaching methodology. The teaching
aids are used to provide a concrete experience about the
lesson for the children since they are seen or heard or
both. Modern classrooms which are equipped with audio-
visual equipment and a rich collection of audio-visual
materials for learning enable the teacher to plan ideal
teaching-learning scenarios. Today the teaching of some
special topics in science are facilitated through tape
recordings, radio programs and television lessons.
3. Using instructional Media
Such audio-visual tools which range from the simplest
tricks, stones, and chalkboards to the more recent
micro-films and video tapes are now referred to as
instructional media. The science teacher must be
knowledgeable in planning and using these non-
human resources for effective classroom instruction.
4. Using instructional Media
The audio-visual materials widely used in teaching science
can be grouped into the following types:
1. Projected teaching aids, e.g., films , slides, filmstrips
2. Prepared transparencies
3. Real objects and specimens, e.g., flower, fruit, insect,
rock, mineral, soil, and stuffed animals.
4. Models e.g., globe, human torso, models of volcano,
surface relief of the earth, solar system, layers of the
earth, various land forms, miniatures, etc.
5. Using instructional Media
5. Graphic materials, e.g., political maps and relief maps
6. Mounted pictures, photographs and clippings
7. Diagrams, drawing, painting and sketches
8. Aquarium, terrarium, mini weather station, mini zoo
9. Collection, e.g., variation in plants and animals
10. Clippings, e.g., inventions, significant science events.
11. Tapes and records for audio lessons
6. Using instructional Media
Some audio-visual equipment that help greatly in teaching
science which are usually found in the schools audio-visual
centre or media centre are.
1. Projectors, e.g., slide, opaque, micro projector
2. Record player
3. Tape recorder
4. Radio
5. Television set
6. Video tape recorder
7. camera
7. Using instructional Media
A general listing of educational media for teaching and
learning science includes the following:
• Textbooks
• Encyclopaedia
• Newspapers
• Documents
• Collections
• Transparencies
• Models, mock ups
• Puppets
• Cartoons
• Posters
• Displays
• Fair exhibits
• Recordings
• Slides
• Clippings
• Films
8. Using instructional Media
• Specimens
• Maps, globes
• Radio programs
• Graphs, charts, diagrams
• Magazines, journals
• Flannel board materials
• Supplementary books
• Flat pictures, photographs
The science resource centre
may provide a space where the
children can construct or
improvise tools which they will
need in various laboratory
activities. The work area
should provide simple
construction tools, drawing
materials and boards for
preparing unit displays. A fully
equipped media centre
provides equipment for viewing
films and audio devices for
listening.
9. Advantages of Using Instructional
Media
As a teaching technique, the use of instructional media provides a
concrete and direct learning experience for children in the
elementary age group. Still in the concrete stage of their intellectual
development they understand and attach meanings to objects and
phenomena which they personally see, hear, manipulate, and
witness.
One of the general goals of science teaching is the development of
skill in the basic investigative processes such as observing and
describing properties of objects, comparing and classifying things
around them, and estimating and measuring various quantities they
need daily. The use of real objects, specimens and models will
greatly enhance their skill in observing since they are able to touch,
taste, smell , listen and examine things closely. Preparing graphs,
diagrams, and charts help develop the skill in recording and
interpreting data.
10. Advantages of Using Instructional
Media
The use of films, slides and flat picture afford the children the
opportunity to view objects or organisms at close range such as
films on microorganisms and internal organ systems. They are
able to view distant places which might be difficult for them to
reach, like a safari which shows the habitat of wild animals.
Projected materials communicate directly thus eliminating much
use of words. Simple concepts of nuclear fusion and fission might
be difficult to explain and be understood well by the pupils or
read in printed materials but may more easily be learned when
viewed in films. This group of instructional aids captures the
attention and sustains the concentration of the young especially if
action-filled, coloured, or presented in carton style.
11. Suggestion for Effective use of
Instructional Media
Instructional media can greatly enrich teaching if used
effectively. Some suggestions for their effective use
are here given.
1. The teacher must be in constant search for media
resources which are available in the immediate
environment of the children such as objects and
organisms such as stuffed birds and fishes.
Present live, harmless animals. Use real flowers
which will add to the pupils environment than
plastic forms which are poor imitations of nature
12. Suggestion for Effective use of
Instructional Media
Local radio programs may include broadcasts about
current science information. Science lessons are also
presently shown on television. Films can be rented or
borrowed from the Film Exchange Centre or the
National Media Production Centre. Such as resource.
Such resources if available in the locality will
undoubtedly help achieve some specific objectives of
a science lesson. Science teachers should not miss
the chance of utilizing them to great advantage.
13. Suggestion for Effective use of
Instructional Media
2. Involve the children in a variety of learning activities
that would require construction of audio-visual
materials such as preparing posters, bulletin board
displays, exhibits, puppets, models, etc. these
activities will encourage pupils to design their own
learning tools as well as enhance their creativity and
resourcefulness. They may be motivated to take
photographs for their own record of significant
scientific events.
14. Suggestion for Effective use of
Instructional Media
3. If possible, provide a workshop which is equipped with
simple construction tools, drawing materials, recording
equipment, radio and television set.
4. Choose carefully the films, educational programs and
printed materials to be used to suit the children’s age,
needs, interests and level of understanding.
5. Models and miniatures must be checked as to accuracy
of the information being presented. Use materials that are
similar to the original if possible. Scaled models are highly
informative.
15. Suggestion for Effective use of
Instructional Media
6. Avail of information regarding
radio broadcasts that can
supplement special science lessons.
These broadcasts usually provide
up-to-date information and can
disseminate such to a great number
of listeners in very short time. But
like films, they must be selected to
the suit the age level and
background of the children.
Sample lessons using
instructional media. The science
teacher should be able to identify
which lessons can be taught more
effectively with the use of
instructional media and what media
may be used. A few are mentioned
below:
• Model of solar system
• Relief of the earth
• Lives of famous scientists
• Discovery of electricity
• Structure of the atom
