Elementary Science – What to do first?
Sunday, August 17th, 2008
Teaching Inquiry to Elementary Students
Try Floating Crayons
I am sure you have about a million things to do prior to the school year beginning. The last thing you want to do is add another topic to your list. I am going to strongly encourage you include science in your yearly planning.
Every pre-service teacher has learned (or should have learned) that teacher-centered instructional strategies are very effective for recitation and rote memorization; however, they have not been shown to be effective for teaching higher-order thinking and problem solving. All the state standards are demanding that teachers K – 12 implement instructional strategies that use those skills.
I suggest that teaching science using inquiry will demand higher-order thinking skills of your students. Below I offer an activity that can be used with Pre-K students all the way up to AP students. I have found this activity to stimulate students and engage them in learning and asking questions. In fact, this activity will probably create more questions than answers. A wonderful way to introduce science this year.
Floating Crayons
Materials
1. large clear container that holds water
2. several objects that float and sink
3. a pack of crayola crayons
Begin the lesson by handing out several objects and ask them to predict whether or not the object will sink or float. Have them work with partners (or larger groups depending on your class size). Allow them a few minutes to discuss. After the group as come up with a prediction about their object, have them discuss why they think the object will sink or float. Allow time for discussion.
Next have the students come up to the water and experiment by actually dropping their object into the water.
Next introduce a box of crayola crayons (the brand is important) and ask the students if the crayons will float or sink. First demonstrate with a white crayon and then allow the students to use all the colors. Interestly, some will float and others will sink. Have the students begin to hypothesize about why some sink while others float. A lot of good observations and inferences will occur. You will probably have more questions than answers with this activity.
*** Always try the activity by yourself prior to experimenting with your students***
This activity can be done in small groups or as a large demonstration activity. HAVE FUN AND GET YOUR STUDENTS ENGAGED IN ACTIVE QUESTIONING.
Please let me know how it goes and I will have some more fun introduction activities to science as we explore inquiry together this year.
Dr. J