January is when my grade level focuses on the scientific method. My class will do several class experiments together, practicing, but in just a couple of weeks, my students will be partnered into groups of 3 to do a science fair experiment for our school science fair. Not all of the 4 grades at my school will do this. Some will just create a class experiment and display board. I just find that letting the students do more on their own really makes for deeper learning and connection/commitment to the procedure and results.
Anyhow, I start by making sure all my students have a background in the scientific method. These foldables are one way I do this. The main foldable is a layered minibook. It has the steps of the scientific method. Above the step name, but under the previous flap, is information that helps students understand the step. I found the info and simplified its vocabulary to make it appropriate for the abilities of fourth graders. You can use this foldable for older or younger students by doing the same. The matchbook foldable is also a flap book. In the main book, the term “variables” is often used. Some of my students will know the basics of a variable; some won’t. However, I’ve never had a 4th grader that really understood that there are different kinds of variables, each with a name. So, we make this foldable to ensure all the students have the knowledge and vocab to use the scientific method.
Hope this helps or inspires your scientific method unit.
I love your teaching methods and bet the kids love having you as their teacher.
ReplyDeleteI will be trying some of your foldables on my next prac teaching block. Thank you
These are great foldables! I use a lot of them in my room for all subjects. I agree that it is important to let the students do more on their own. My class did one project together. They chose "What type of fabric dries fastest in the sun?" I got all the materials and guided them through what to do for the procedure. I know their conclusion may not have been completely accurate, but it is what they came to based on their own observations so I let them run with it. We ended up getting 1st place this year. They were so excited!
ReplyDeleteI like that idea about fabric for an experiment:) Which one dried quickest? silk, nylon?
ReplyDeleteAnyway, I have a word document that I use to print off and the students cut to make a cascading book which looks just like your foldables. Tell me, how did you fold the Scientific Method Booklets?
I love, love, love your foldables. Is there any way you could show what is written in each section of the foldable?
ReplyDeleteIs there anyway you could please email me the information you place under each tab? Thank you so much for sharing this great idea!
ReplyDeleteDitto, do you mind emailing or publishing what you write under each flap?
ReplyDeleteI am needing help. My daughter doing nproject. This woul totally help me. Need more step by step to do this if you don't mind
ReplyDelete