Primary grades (K-2) are a challenge for science education. With the focus
on basic literacy and math, there is little time for stand-alone science
lessons. Here is one solution. Printable booklets are widely used to teach sight
words (the top commonly used 100 words) or how to decode simple letter-sound
relationships. With a careful selection of vocabulary words, they can also be
used to introduce science ideas. The 6-part lesson 1) practices noticing and
vocabulary; 2) uses the booklet to get students to notice, wonder, and ask
questions; 3) plans an investigation; 4) carries out an investigation; 5) makes
sense of results, and 6) shares results with others. The approach is illustrated
with two booklets and lessons. One is on different kinds of leaves (NGSS
K-LS1-1) and one is on the effect of sunlight (NGSS K-PS3-1), which can tie into
building a structure to reduce the warming effect of sunlight (NGSS
K-PS3-2).
TAKEAWAYS:
Learn how to create or recognize science literature that clicks with a teacher focused on reading, writing, speaking, and listening. Use that literature to craft a lesson that explicitly connects teaching ELA to student ideas, science ideas, science practices, and sensemaking.
SPEAKERS:
Jan Weaver (Retired)