It is important to keep science fun through hands on materials to do experiments and inquiry. When it comes to buying supplies and materials prices can quickly start adding up. My question was what are some fun and inexpensive ways to bring science into the classroom?
Two ideas I found can be used in any subject you are working with. The first is called appointing a librarian. Each week, or every knew unit someone would be appointed the librarian. This person would be responsible for finding online encyclopedias, dictionaries, author websites and other resources outside of the school on the subject you are teaching. This person is then in charge of introducing the new materials to the class. I liked this idea because it allows the children to be responsible for their own learner and it gives them the opportunity to discover other ways to find information besides the classroom and internet. The second idea I found was called a Facebook fan page. The teacher would create a fan page with discussion questions, website links, and initiated conversations about what they are learning. I feel this idea is geared more towards high school level class where Facebook is more commonly known and used.
I then found three ideas that were geared directly towards science. The first idea was to have the children use their senses to stimulate curiosity. Have them feel, smell, taste and listen to things around them. The second idea was to use online museums like Exploratorium. This is a fun and free way to let children explore new ideas, and it helps give the teacher an idea of what the children are interested in learning. The last idea I found was to let children use familiar objects around them to learn about science. Some of the ideas the website gave were listening to a dripping faucet, old doorbells, and household plants and gardens. All of these ideas are fun and free ways to keep science interesting and fun for our students!
Jen - that librarian idea is awesome. Where did you find it? Could you include a link (either in your blog post or in the comment area).
ReplyDeleteI encourage you to link to the resources you are finding as you write future blog posts.
Jen,
ReplyDeleteI also really like the idea of the classroom librarian. I have found that when students have important responsibilities, they seem to be more engaged in the topic. I think this would also really help students learn about how to research which is great to learning young.
I have seen some of these online museums being used in schools and it has always been successful! These websites allow students to take their time and focus more on topics they might find more interesting or not understand completely.
Niki
Jen-
ReplyDeleteI too think the "librarian" idea is great. The process of being the librarian links to the nature of science, as scientists don't always have the materials and resources they need given to them. Scientists learn by seeking out the resources they need to answer their questions. Where did you find the idea? I'd like to read more about how a teacher actually uses the idea in his/her classroom.
Thank you!
Kelsey
I really liked the idea of incorporating household objects to teach about science topics. This helps students make connections between science and their everyday surroundings. I also like the idea of appointing a classroom librarian to find book resources related to a particular topic of study. Not only does this encourage students to be responsible for developing their own learning and that of their classmates, but it also provides an opportunity to explore the resources available in their library.
ReplyDelete