Science Notebooking

Science Notebooking with my little ones is so fun, but takes a little bit to get going. I try to make it as formal as possible to set them up for success as they peogress each year. Being at a k-8 STEM School they will be doing many years of science notebooking. 

We start each lesson with a question or a means to experiment. Since we were learning the science process skills through apples, our question was...do all apples have the same number of seeds? We record in our table of contents and do activity numbers since page numbers can be a little confusing. Next, we glue our question at the top and draw a small line for our prediction or hypothesis. Right now, they can keep it to yes and no, but we will move to using because and telling their reasoning behind their predictions. After we conducted the experiment we sketched and labeled our observations and recorded our findings. We worked together as a class to come up with our statement...in the future they will be more responsible for their own thinking and findings. I also printed a picture of the graph from the hallway that they glued in to help show our findings. XO more with apples to come. 

Apples Day 2

Today we picked up right where we left off. Students got back with their partners and worked together to create an apple graph piece and glue their seeds in the middle. 

Next students brought their apples over and found where they belong on the graph. 

Once all the apples were on the graph, we all gathered around to discuss and analyze our data. Students shared what they noticed on the graph and I recoded their thinking. We then hung the graph in the hall to share our findings. 

Next, we move on to recording in our science notebooks....stay tuned! Happy Friday! xo

Teaching the Science Process Skills with an Apple

In order to get my little firsties in the mood to science notebook I start by teaching them the science process skills with one experiment! We started yesterday by reading the book What is a Scientist? and making a scientist can, are, need chart. I found an adorable one on Pinterest from Ginger Snaps Tidbits and Tips for Teachers.

Today we started our first activity in our science notebook. This year I decided to really stretch out the first activity so they get a feel for each part. Each student brought in an apple. We had all different sizes, colors, and even some from a kid's very own apple tree. We filled out our table of contents together and then glued in our question...Do all apples have the same number of seeds? We drew a line and made our predictions (hypothesis). Next, we were off to the lab to experiment! 

Students worked with a partner to communicate, observe, and accurately count how many seeds were in their apples. They used a Popsicle stick as a digging tool and put their seeds into ziplock bags. Students enjoyed eating their apple and comparing their seed counts. Do all apples have the same number of seeds? Check back in a day or two for part 2... 

Jitter Glitter

I'm a big fan of The First Grade Parade's Jitter Juice and First Grade Jitters Book...This year I took it even further and made Jitter Glitter! Saw it on Pinterest and nobody really knows who came up with this lovely idea, but thank you to whoever you are. I can't wait to put it on their desks for back to school night.  I bought the cute little bags on the jewelry aisle at Wal-Mart along with the pretty confetti.

You can print it for free here XO

Boy-Friendly Desk Fairy (robot)

Boy-Friendly Desk Fairy Robot (does that even make sense?)

Being at a STEM school, I find myself having classes that are very boy heavy! Being the sparkles, glitter, cupcake, hearts, Hello Kitty lover that I am, I had to find a theme to capture these little boys. While tirelessly searching for cute themes/clipart on TpT I came across the adorable Robot Friends Clipart from 2 Super Teachers. I fell in love and have decided that I will have a boy-friendly robot theme this year (there are girl robots and they have adorable bows on their metal heads).

Something that my classes always seem to love is the desk fairy! The easy trick to keep those desks looking shiny and organized. In honor of my boys this year and my robot love, I made these boy-friendly desk robot cards. They are free, so print, enjoy and embrace those boys! XO

Click the picture to download them.Yay! 

                                                   

Standards Based Grading for Primary

My school recently made the transition to standards based grading. Last year as my teammate and I were working through the process together, we found it difficult to find resources for primary. Our district provided us with some rubrics, but they weren't exactly what we were looking for or primary friendly. We created our own rubric with some kid friendly language and used it all last year. The ice cream visual seemed to really help my students know the difference between a 1,2,3,and 4. They would get really excited about their work and had more buy in, which was AMAZING. This little poster/rubric is in my store for $1.00! Click here to get it. It has one rubric with a colored background to use as a poster and one that can be used to write on and give feedback. Give it a try and let me know how it works in your classroom this year. XO

Bags and Broncos!

Bought this amazing work bag with my mama yesterday. It's HUGE, has a flat bottom, a big pocket, open top, and reinforced straps (def need that). I can't wait to start putting all of my teacher goodies inside. Also, had to buy a new Broncos shirt...Fall is just around the corner and I can't wait! xo