Little Scientists / Little EngineersIn the grade one and two classrooms at Woodland Elementary, students are little scientist and little engineers as they work through the inquiry and design process. The teachers aim to integrate science activities into all curriculum areas daily. Through the use of children's literature, themes and cross-curriculum concepts they aimed to make science a daily part of their lives and to allow them to investigate the questions that arise from their natural curiosity.
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Integrating Science in a Primary Classroom
There are many effective structures that work in the primary classroom. Teachers needs to find the structure that works best for them and their students. Through our experience we have explored techniques used by other teachers and from this we have found a combination of ideas that works well in our classrooms.
The template below gives a overview of a typical week. We start our day as a whole group, where we share in calendar activities, read alouds, shared writing, choral reading (poems), word work and mini-lessons. These activities will lead into individual or small group activities. Small group activities are typically centers with a work board to guide students. Prior to our research in integrating science cross-curricular, centers were mainly Language Arts based. Through our investigation our centers have transformed into a integrated activity whereby science, math and other subject areas are also included. This has allowed us to incorporate science in our daily routine.
The template below gives a overview of a typical week. We start our day as a whole group, where we share in calendar activities, read alouds, shared writing, choral reading (poems), word work and mini-lessons. These activities will lead into individual or small group activities. Small group activities are typically centers with a work board to guide students. Prior to our research in integrating science cross-curricular, centers were mainly Language Arts based. Through our investigation our centers have transformed into a integrated activity whereby science, math and other subject areas are also included. This has allowed us to incorporate science in our daily routine.
Note: Most of the activities on this website are not the original and we do not claim credit. Sources available upon request.
Centers (four centers a day, approx. 20 mins. per center)Guided Reading: The teacher works with a group of 5-6 students, instructing them in reading strategies and reading comprehension.
Guided Writing: The teacher works with a group of 5-6 students, instructing them in writing strategies and structures. Personal Reading: Students choose a book from the classroom library or a thematic basket of books and read silently or with a partner. Independent Writing: Students independently write a response to children's literature, theme, or concept discussed in the whole group setting. |
Word Work: Students use the preselected words of the week to complete activities that allow them to practice spelling and recognition. These include alphabetical order, stamping words, crayon resist, playdough, snapcubes, etc.. Note: Pinterest is an excellent resource for these activities. Exploration: Students explore various concepts through games, inquiry processes, engineering design processes and hands on activities. Technology: Students use ipads to reinforce language, science, math skills that have been already taught in class. Art: Students independently engage in art activities. Math:Students independently engage in math activities reinforce concepts that have been already taught in class. |
Poems
The Question Song
I've got the who, what, where, when, why and how. I've got the who, what, where, when, why and how. I've got the who, what, where, when, why and how. I've got the Question words in my head. All About Motion
Motion is created when I move from place to place Like a spaceship flying high and fast, into outer space Push and pull are forces that need energy to work I need energy to move in gym or even lift my fork Circular, straight and zig-zag are some paths an object can take. Friction can cause things to slow and then the path can break! Motion is important. We use it all the time Your eyes and lungs are moving while you read this little rhyme! |
This Old Earth
This old earth Needs our help To stay fresh and Clean and green. With a pick it up; Pitch it in; And throw it in the can. This old earth needs A helping hand. The Material Song
Wood and metal and plastic too. Cotton and rubber and clay, These are our materials, our materials, Which we use each day. Glass and paper and rock so hard Cardboard, ceramic and sand. These are our materials,our materials, Hold them in your hand. Weather Ways
Whatever the weather We have it each day. It's hot or it's cold, Or it's sunny or gray. It's blowy or snowy, Or rainy or clear. Thee's SOME kind of weather Each day of the years. |
template_for_center_planning_timetable.pdf | |
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