Investigate
It is crucial to periodically review the inquiry cycle you are currently following to ensure you are on the right track. This is the third stage of the Stripling Model of Inquiry cycle, which is titled "Investigate."
During this stage, children need to conduct research and gather all the relevant information regarding the main question they are investigating. In this case, the children's primary idea is "Rain is a form of precipitation produced through the water cycle, and it is essential for sustaining life on Earth." They must also create a hypothesis and establish an experiment to test it before proceeding to the next stage, where they will obtain the results.
It is common for new questions to emerge during this stage, which is a vital part of the inquiry process.
It is crucial for children to utilize both primary and secondary sources from various perspectives to thoroughly investigate their inquiry.
To assist students in accessing high-quality digital sources, provide them with relevant materials from books and send them links and QR codes that direct them to educational websites about the water cycle and how rain helps in plant growth. However, instead of simply providing answers, guide the students to explore and find their sources, as it is their investigation and should be student-led.
Primary Sources for research
Interview a local meteorologist and ask them to explain how rain forms and how to predict its arrival.
Check a website updated hourly for rain forecast. An example website that is accurate is accuweather.com
Check for rain intensity during live online weather forecast
It is essential for children to get a chance to participate in primary research and experience the role of a meteorologist.
They can do this by integrating another subject from the primary curriculum, such as Gaeilge, and discussing the weather in Irish using an interactive board. For example, they can use phrases like "Amárach beidh sé ag cur báistí" to describe the weather forecast.
Before attempting to say the weather in Irish, they can watch a video example from Cúla4 featuring a child.
Secondary Sources for research
There are websites like Homeschool Hub RTÉ that allow you to include clickable picture links for children. For example, there is a page about the water cycle that includes an explanation in words and a picture for guidance.
Additionally, there is an activity sheet that helps children retain the knowledge they learned and serves as a form of self-assessment. There is also a fun and interactive quiz that can be done as a group activity.
The book "Explorers Geography & Science" by Folens is a valuable secondary resource for 3rd class students to learn more about the formation of water. It can be accessed online through school iPads or in a physical book.
water cycle.pptxCatchy songs with hand gestures and acting out the lyrics integrate music and drama curricular, aiding in retention and comprehension of subject knowledge.
•Make sure children take notes on main ideas and supporting evidence in an online document, PowerPoint, or on paper.
•Make inferences and interpret evidence
Experiments to investigate the main idea
· Why is rain important for plants how will different amounts of water impact on plant growth
· Hypothesis: the sunflower seeds will grow faster with more water and sunlight. The seed that gets no water will not grow.
· Which plant seed grew the fastest a b c or d
I used YouTube videos as a resource for research. Videos provide a visual aid for children to better understand the topic rather than just text.
Twinkl is an excellent resource for primary level teachers and students, offering educational material on all topics, including worksheets, games, hands-on activities, songs, posters, and PowerPoint presentations.
In this case, I utilized the material for the water cycle song, the plant growth prediction sheet, and the instructions for the water cycle in a bag model activity.
It is important to take precautions before doing this investigation with a class it's important to take precautions because the hot water used can cause burns and injury.
Hypotheis: After about two days, you will see small water droplets forming on the inside of the bag, which will demonstrate precipitation and prove that the water cycle is working.
To learn the meaning of each word, click on it!