I am so excited for science this year! We are lucky enough to be using the Discovery Education Science Techbook! It is billed as an online textbook, but it is actually way more! The program is so interactive and way more relevant for 21st century students! It includes reading passages like any other textbook, but unlike a textbook, it aligns perfectly to the Michigan standards for science. It is also updated and improved constantly, which is very unlike a textbook! It also includes virtual labs, streaming videos aligned to the lesson, online assessments, and so much more! Each student will get a username and password and can access their techbook from anywhere with internet access. If your child doesn't have home access, no problem! Anything they would need from the techbook will also be included in his or her science notebooks. There is no regular homework for science. The only time there will be science homework is to complete work from class that didn't get finished, or to occasionally bring in an item to share (for example a leaf or rock).
Science Stations
For science, we have a very unique and fun structure! Generally, day 1 of our lesson always starts with a hands on/exploratory lesson to introduce the new concept. Day 2-3 are stations-based. The students rotate through a variety of stations completing an assortment of activities relating to the lesson's focus. Day 4 is a reflective day, where the students review what was learned so far and create a blog post describing their thoughts on the lesson's main ideas. Day 5 is assessment day in the form of a brief constructed response.
Science Notebooks
Much of our science revolves around conducting investigations, observing, and researching. The students take notes in their science notebooks, much like a real scientist does. These notebooks are helpful for reflecting, recording data and research and more. They can also glue in charts and handouts that I will provide for them.
Science Blogs
Additionally, each student in the 3rd grade will be maintaining a science blog! Each week, they will post a new entry to their blog, showcasing what they have learned in science for the week.
For science, we have a very unique and fun structure! Generally, day 1 of our lesson always starts with a hands on/exploratory lesson to introduce the new concept. Day 2-3 are stations-based. The students rotate through a variety of stations completing an assortment of activities relating to the lesson's focus. Day 4 is a reflective day, where the students review what was learned so far and create a blog post describing their thoughts on the lesson's main ideas. Day 5 is assessment day in the form of a brief constructed response.
Science Notebooks
Much of our science revolves around conducting investigations, observing, and researching. The students take notes in their science notebooks, much like a real scientist does. These notebooks are helpful for reflecting, recording data and research and more. They can also glue in charts and handouts that I will provide for them.
Science Blogs
Additionally, each student in the 3rd grade will be maintaining a science blog! Each week, they will post a new entry to their blog, showcasing what they have learned in science for the week.