SCIENCE

Understanding the

World Around Us

Georgia CTAE Resource NetworkInstructional Resources Office

July 2009

CHEMISTRY Suspension: oil and

water in a jar Chemical reaction:

vinegar and baking soda

Chemical change: ice cube and salt

PHYSICAL Balance Weight and Size Movements Gravity Water: Sink or Float Magnets Machines: wheels,

gears, lever, etc.

BIOLOGY Living and non-living

things Animals Habitats and Diets

BOTANY Plants Germination Photosynthesis Purpose of plants:

food, building, clothing, etc.

ASTRONOMY-METEOROLOGY

Sun Light and Dark:

Shadows Stars Weather

Miss LeeAnn suits up for Air & Space week!

ECOLOGY Conservation Recycling Erosion Care of the

Environment

Effective Questioning

To encourage children to discover scientific principles, the teacher should use effective questioning. These questions should help the child discover concepts for him/herself.

OPEN-ENDED QUESTIONS: Promotes discussion - require decision-making skills

• What are you observing?• How could you group these?• What happens when you ….?

CLOSED-ENDED QUESTIONS: Single answer or Yes/No answers

• What color is it?• What shape is it?• Do you like to look at the fish?

Science Table Collections

Have a table set up where materials are available for the child to examine with his/her senses.

Collections may include:– Leaves, nuts, rocks, plastic animals

(insects, wild, farm), seeds, seashells, building tools (no sharp edges), pine cones and pine needles, building materials, etc.

Materials Some of the materials and equipment

that can be included in the science area are:– A globe, mirrors, flashlights, classroom

pets, plants, magnets, nature items, magnifying glasses, a microscope, pictures, etc.