Thanks to Richard Byrne and his blog, I have discovered several awesome middle school science
resources. One that he recently introduced on his blog is called Science Snacks. This resource has
plenty of ideas and directions for hands-on science activities. I have been able to find an activity that
is suitable for each of the units I teach in 7th grade. My favorite thing about this resource is that the
materials the presenters use are so easy to access and are inexpensive. Each ‘snack’ includes
procedures and materials along with a teacher guide and explanation. Some even have video demos
that are also included. I am able to quickly search for snacks by searching by subject- life science,
physical science, earth science, etc. and then I can match the provided activity to my current lesson
plan.
resources. One that he recently introduced on his blog is called Science Snacks. This resource has
plenty of ideas and directions for hands-on science activities. I have been able to find an activity that
is suitable for each of the units I teach in 7th grade. My favorite thing about this resource is that the
materials the presenters use are so easy to access and are inexpensive. Each ‘snack’ includes
procedures and materials along with a teacher guide and explanation. Some even have video demos
that are also included. I am able to quickly search for snacks by searching by subject- life science,
physical science, earth science, etc. and then I can match the provided activity to my current lesson
plan.
I feel as if the snacks are geared more towards upper level classes (mainly middle school or high
school), but some of them could easily be modified to better suit elementary curriculum. My district
does not offer the Non-Traditional Instructional Days, but these activities would be a wonderful
alternative to the packets most districts send home.
school), but some of them could easily be modified to better suit elementary curriculum. My district
does not offer the Non-Traditional Instructional Days, but these activities would be a wonderful
alternative to the packets most districts send home.
Here is the activity I will be using in May when I teach waves.
https://www.exploratorium.edu/snacks/slinky-in-hand
Hello, LeAnn!
ReplyDeleteI really like this site you have. It's an example of the kind of products necessary to get classes working in a flex environment, where teachers can post their rich, expertly produced content and send students to it at their own pace.
I like the way you are suggesting this function as at-home, supplemental work. It would be great if we could blend these opportunities with our traditional instructional days. I hope to do something like this with my students in English next year, segmenting writing, vocabulary, reading, and writing and letting students choose their pace (but meet deadlines overall) in units like these.
Have a great week!