With so much talk about the Next Generation Science Standards and Common Core, many teachers are scrambling to gather resources to teach science. But, there are so many great resources out on the web already, it’s just a matter of finding them. Did you know that Georgia Pacific offers six free lessons and activities right {here}?
Here’s a sampling of what I’ve checked out…
Conserving Natural Resources: How about having your students build a mini-landfill? I love this hands-on science opportunity because it’s not only about the activity that day, but the ongoing reflection over the next few weeks. How many of us have recycling bins in our schools? This activity could be a great learning point in helping students understand WHY we use those bins.
Natural Resources & Human Impacts: When we have little signs around our school that say “Please shut off lights when leaving,” do students really understand the impact? This lesson provides the foundation for how we can conserve energy. It also includes the idea for your class to create an “energy pledge.” Getting students involved in saving the planet should happen EVERY day, not just on Earth Day and this lesson would be a great one to begin the school year with.
Re- and De-: Prefixes are something people typically reserve for an ELA (English-language Arts) lesson… but they shouldn’t be! The great thing about this lesson on salt water is that it introduces these prefixes. Kids will never learn the value of pre-fixes until they start applying them in new and different learning situations. What better way than in a hands on science experiment?
These lessons offer a chance for you to do a whole group discussion, a small group lesson, or even a possible center where students can think, write, reflect, and be scientists. Best of all? The lessons are ready to download in your classroom and get STEM integrated right away. Check them out!
Even better? Georgia Pacific is hosting a giveaway from now until October 31 and one lucky teacher will win a new iPad and 10 new iPad minis for their classroom!! Get entered today!