This trimester went by really fast! We started and ended the trimester studying specific standards (structure/function for 3-4 and intro to chemistry for 5-6), but we spent the majority of the trimester studying the process that scientists go through to answer questions. It took us weeks to discuss what scientists do and have kids plan their own studies. Unfortunately I didn't take pictures of the kids presenting at the science fair, but hopefully you were able to see it in person. : )
In order to prepare the kids for their science fair projects we first talked about what scientists in different fields do, and we also did a project as a class. Our class project was related to acidity and calcium carbonate. We talked about background information, research question, hypothesis, variables and experimental set up. After conducting this class research project, the kids had to brainstorm ideas for their science fair projects and turn in proposals to me. 3-4 students worked in groups and 5-6 students had to develop individual projects.
The kids were engaged throughout the process - they learned and had fun designing, conducting and presenting their projects. Topics varied widely since I encouraged kids to choose something that they were really interested in.
After a successful science fair, the kids and I had two more weeks to explore structure/function and chemistry. Third and fourth graders learned more about some of the structures/functions in their bodies - digestive system (kids did a hands on activity simulating what happens during each stage of digestion), kidney, heart and lungs. Fifth and sixth graders had a quick introduction to biochemistry - they learned the central dogma of biology and they were exposed to the chemical equation of photosynthesis and respiration.
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| Decoding a DNA message. Kids learned how to read: DNA --> RNA --> protein |
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| We had a guest speaker who works with amazon deforestation |
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| Trying to make a filter as efficient as kidneys |
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| Lung model |
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