Embedded Files
5E Science Inquiry Lesson Plan
5E Science Inquiry Lesson Plan
What is this?
This is a 5E inquiry-based lesson plan for sixth-grade science. The purpose of the 5E lesson is to ensure students not only understand new concepts, but also ask questions, engage with the content, and dig deeper by participating in activities that will both foster their curiosity and boost their knowledge of science. This lesson specifically delves into the concept of plate tectonics.
Why did I choose this?
I have chosen to include this because it demonstrates my ability to create a science lesson that is both engaging and enriching. This lesson contains not only direct instruction, but also an "explore" activity that allows students to simulate the movement of Earth's plates using graham crackers and whipped cream. I like this activity because it gets students in the mindset of asking questions. It also caters to a variety of learning styles, from tactile to visual to auditory.
What did I learn?
In working through this activity with my EDUC 357 class, I learned that it is very important to keep the class organized when passing out materials for a hands-on activity. Letting everyone go up at once is not an efficient practice. I also learned the importance of the inquiry-based lesson plan; that is, students will perform much better when they are invited to ask questions and fully engage with the content being presented.
Health Artifact: Model Spine
Health Artifact: Model Spine
What is this?
This is a model of a human spine created with metal washers, red licorice, and pipe cleaners. The washers represent vertebrae while the licorice pieces represent cartilage. The pipe cleaner represents the nerves that run down the center of a spine.
Why did I choose this?
I chose this as a health artifact because it not only gives students a visual representation of how their bodies work, but it can be bent in a way that shows students what happens when they demonstrate poor posture. This project is useful because it helps students understand the importance of maintaining good posture for their overall health in a way that is engaging and interactive.
What did I learn?
In creating this model spine, I learned that creating models can be beneficial for both visual and kinesthetic learners.
Model Soundwave
Model Soundwave
What is this?
This is a working model of a soundwave created from plastic straws and tape. As seen in the embedded video, "sound" travels from one end of the model to the other when tapped.
Why did I choose this?
There are a few reasons why I chose to include this artifact. I think this activity is a great addition to the science classroom. For one, it is relevant students' prior funds of knowledge--most students have an interest in something sound-based, whether that be listening to music, singing, or playing an instrument. So, it is relevant to many students' interests. Second, it promotes team work and supports classroom community. How does it do this? Well, the soundwave needs to be large. As we worked through this activity as a class, everyone helped put the soundwave together, and we all communicated to determine how such a big job would be completed. This would be an excellent activity for children to work on in groups. Finally, it provides a working visual for students to get a grasp of an otherwise abstract, hard-to-understand scientific concept.
What did I learn?
In this activity, I learned the value of collaboration in the classroom. I also gained insight as to how we as teachers can create visual learning experiences to benefit the needs of our students.
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse