The Getting Ready section for each part of the investigation helps you prepare. It provides information on scheduling the activities and introduces the tools and techniques used in the activity. Be prepared—read the Getting Ready section first.

The first item in the Getting Ready section gives an estimated amount of time the part should take. Parts generally take one 60–80 minute session. A general rule of thumb is to plan 10 minutes to introduce the activity to the whole class, about 20 minutes at the center for each group, about 10 minutes to wrap up the activity with the whole class, and a few minutes to transition the groups.

Plan ahead for the scheduling of the parts. On the next page is a sample teaching schedule for a week during the module. Interdisciplinary extensions require additional class time. One way to make the best use of time is to integrate the module into the other learning centers in the classroom. Readings, notebook writing, math, or art extensions can be conducted at other learning centers during the same time period as the science center investigation.

The investigations should be conducted in their numbered order, as the concepts build upon each other from investigation to investigation. Take your time and explore the subject thoroughly.