There have been many students disciplined for nodding off during class, and their excuses that the instructor droning on was unacceptable. In all truth, sitting passively while listening to a lecture is not always the best way for students of any age to learn. Educational participation is more than just showing up for a class or lecture, and it should always be an interesting experience to keep the student’s mind and imagination engaged.

Experiments in science classes have long been a way to help students learn complex concepts, and they are often more effective than reading assignments or lectures. Students are given an opportunity to actively participate in their own learning experience, and they benefit by being able to retain more information when the lesson is over. Designing experiments or participatory lessons should be done with safety in mind, and students should be able to identify the concept that supports their work.