Activities for Science

Sustainable Development Learning
Submitted by: Julie
June 22nd, 2010

Categories: 3rd Grade | 4th Grade | 5th Grade | 6th Grade | 7th Grade | 8th Grade | ESL | History | Language Arts | Math | Reading & Writing | Science | Special Education
Estimated Time: 20-30 minutes
Description: I've used this with children in 3rd grade all the way up to adults at Parent Association meetings held at the school. The most important principle of sustainable development is integrating environmental, social equity, and economic considerations ("planet, people and profits"). So when we have a decision to make as a class or a school, this is a way to bring sustainable development to life.

You Post It!
Submitted by: Peggy
June 20th, 2010

Categories: 7th Grade | Science
Estimated Time: 30-40 minutes
Description: 1. Read chapter summary 2.Cooperative groups are given different colors of Post-it® notes 3. Questions from summary are written on different pieces of butcher which is placed on various tables. 4. When the timer goes off all groups are located at a table, they must answer the question on the Post-it note--one student will write the answer on the Post-it. 5. When the teacher says "Post-It" the student post the note and immediately move to the next table where the next question and butcher paper is located. 6. When we are done, I can tell which group answered the question correctly by looking at the color of the Post-it notes. 7. If the answer is wrong the Post-it will be removed. 8. The group with the most Post-it notes will win the game.

Morning Response
Submitted by: Cathie
June 15th, 2010

Categories: 2nd Grade | Classroom Management | History | Language Arts | Math | Reading & Writing | Science
Estimated Time: 0-10 minutes
Description: My students start their day with a prompt on a large chart paper. They then write their response and name on the Post-it® and place it on the chart. Sometimes the chart requires them to place the Post-it as part of a bar graph, or they may be used for students to share out what they have learned about a various topic in social studies or science. We sort them in various ways, use the responses to do math problems including addition, subtraction, mode, range, etc. This activity has been great to get my second graders writing, without having to worry about spelling. It also allows them to share something about themselves each day. They are always anxious to hear everyone's response when we go over them later in the day. This activity also is nice because it gives them something to do as soon as they walk in. I can then submit attendance and lunch count to the office while they busily get their post-it ready.

Stick With Science Safari
Submitted by: Karen
June 15th, 2010

Categories: 3rd Grade | 4th Grade | 5th Grade | 6th Grade | Art | Language Arts | Math | Reading & Writing | Science
Estimated Time: 60+ minutes
Description: Before school I place photos of different big game animals (in duplicate) around the school (with permission from the administration) in such places as the cafeteria, bathrooms, locker areas, etc. Students put on safari hats and take Post-it® Notes with them into the hallways of the school to "capture live game" label them with the Post-it notes as to what the correct animal is with its scientific name and "Bring them back alive" in their safari bags. The students try to get as many animals different as possible. When students return to the classroom they unload the bags, sort the animals, and the animals are researched via computer. Power Point presentations or movie maker movies are made using the animals in the presentations to be presented to the class.

Question Summary Parking Lot
Submitted by: Donna
June 10th, 2010

Categories: 1st Grade | 2nd Grade | 3rd Grade | 4th Grade | 5th Grade | 6th Grade | 7th Grade | 8th Grade | Art | Classroom Management | ESL | History | Language Arts | Math | Music | Reading & Writing | Science | Special Education
Estimated Time: 0-10 minutes
Description: During class, students jot down questions on Post-it® Notes that I don't answer or don't answer well enough. At the end of class, all students place a Post-it note on the "Parking Lot" on the board. If a student does not have a question, they write "no question" on their note. I collect these notes and answer all questions during my lesson summary. High school students are very self-conscious about asking questions in front of their peers. Since everyone puts a note on the board, no one knows who had questions and who did not.




