I have said it before, but kids are natural scientists. Science is all about curiosity and exploration, does that sound like any kiddos you know?
I find the easiest way to get my kids primed for learning is to pull out supplies and start working myself. Kids love to see what their parents are doing (that is why I’ve barely gone to the bathroom alone in the last 12 years).
This week I pulled out bowls, measuring cups, funnels, and more to explore liquids. I have been transitioning to using the 5E model of instruction.
How I like to teach science…
This model focuses on getting kids to buy-in to lessons through engagement and exploration BEFORE we burden them with vocabulary. If you want to know more about the 5E model, check this out.
This week our lesson was on liquids. I will do similar lessons on gases and solids. We had a lot of fun exploring liquids and using measuring devices.
The learning objectives for this lesson:
- Identify that liquids take the shape of their container
- Introduce Conservation of Matter
- Use of instruments of Measurement
I think one of the really important things to remember is that early in science education the focus needs to be on the process rather than learning specific facts. This is about skills development and making facts more concrete.
My little guy used measuring devices, comparison, recognizing shapes and spatial sense. He also got some reading practice in, too! He loves science and it was a great way to sneak in some needed reading practice in a less threatening way.
You can download a detailed lesson plan template . Please drop by and post a comment if you use this lesson. I would love to know how it works for you.
Jon says
Our little guy talked to me about this experiment for about an hour after I got home. How's that for "school work" making a great impression? Have to say I love coming home and hearing about this!
I saw the O-W-L chart tag on your side and had to see what that was. I'd never heard of it before, that's a great idea!
Thanks. My guys can sometimes be a little intimidated by writing, but I use the concept all the time.