Group items tagged

C.C. Standards: 1.MD.2, 1.MD.4, 2.MD.1, 2.MD.9, 2.MD.10

Expansion: As kicked balls could take a lot of time to measure, students could throw bean bags or jump.  For jumping they could work in pairs to measure each other's jumps and then report the data. 

ESL: Physical and visual aids in learning measurement will help ESL students retain measurement information. 

CCSS.Math.Content.6.SP.B.5c Giving quantitative measures of center (median and/or mean) and variability (interquartile range and/or mean absolute deviation), as well as describing any overall pattern and any striking deviations from the overall pattern with reference to the context in which the data were gathered.

Students get to practice collecting data, making graphs, and finding mean, median, mode, and range all in a fun activity involving candy and group work. The activity only calls for students to find mean, median, mode, and range. Extend the activity by having students write hypotheses, conclusions, and by making graphs to display data.

Standards: 3.DS.1 - Observe and describe how sound is produced by vibrations. (3.1.1, 3.1.2, 3.1.3) Observe and describe how light travels from point to point. (3.1.4, 3.1.5, 3.1.6)

Adaptation- Different instruments could be placed at stations throughout the room if there were not enough to pass out to everyone. Students could move table to table recording what they observe about the sound.

Extension: This could be extended by turning it into a research project. Students could research specific instruments, then with classroom materials or materials from home, students could construct homemade instruments resembling what they researched. Knowledge of sounds waves and vibrations would be used to create working instruments.

If students are having trouble coming up with categories to classify the objects under, the teacher could offer suggestions or lead a group brainstorming activity to help the children think of something.  Like most group activities, I believe this activity naturally incorporates all learners and takes advantage of the group setting in order for students to learn from one another, not just the teacher.

K.MD.3 Classify objects into given categories; count the numbers of objects in each category and sort the categories by count.

K.MD.2 Directly compare two objects with a measurable attribute in common, to see which object has "more of" or "less of" the attribute, and describe the difference. For example, directly compare the heights of two children and describe one child as taller/shorter.

K.MD.1 Describe measurable attributes of objects, such as length or weight. Describe several measurable attributes of a single object.

K.CC.4 Understand the relationship between numbers and quantities; connect counting to cardinality.

This activity could really be adapted for many different ability levels.  For less advanced children, you could keep it simple and focus on easy to identify elements of the house/classroom, such as doors.  For more advanced children, you could have them count things that would come to a fairly high number, such as books, for example.  This would give them more of a challenge and let them practice counting to higher numbers.  The activity lends itself naturally to ELLs because of it's use of a drawing of a house to signify what is being counted.

This activity allows itself to adapt to all sorts of different learners, because it gives everyone a chance to work at their own pace.  For example, fast finishers can work to see how many colors they can find in nature and document those observations in their journals.  Slower students can be allowed to take their time and focus on one or two colors.  This is perfectly fine as long as everyone is learning and participating. K.NS.1=Use a scientific notebook to record predictions, questions and observations about data with pictures, numbers or in words K.NS.6=Make and use simple equipment and tools to gather data and extend the senses.

Standard: MA.3.1.15 2000, MA.2.1.12 2000, SCI.2.2.1 2010, SCI.2.2.3 2010

C.C. Standard: 2.MD.9

Expansion: Students could graph their weather findings over time and use those graphs to learn how to interpret data and predict future weather patterns.

ENL: ENL students can expand their weather and observational vocabulary through constant repetition of particular words and images.  The spinner is very visual, offering a graphic representation of the weather pattern they are recording. 

CCSS.Math.Content.6.SP.B.5c Giving quantitative measures of center (median and/or mean) and variability (interquartile range and/or mean absolute deviation), as well as describing any overall pattern and any striking deviations from the overall pattern with reference to the context in which the data were gathered.

Card games provide opportunities for the whole class to practice this skill at the same time. ELL and low performing students benefit from the cooperation factor and the repeated math facts needed to add the values together.

This activity could be adapted for ELLs and special needs students by showing them on the board or overhead what the completed project should look like.  If they have difficulty reading, it could be hard to know where to put the different labels, but this would be much easier for them if they had an example to look at. K.3.1 Observe and draw physical features of common plants and animals. K.NS.6 Make and use simple equipment and tools to gather data and extend the senses.

Standards: 4.DP.1-11, 4.1.3, 4.1.4

Expansion: Have students record hypotheses about what will happen and results.  Have students try other types of liquids and solids to see if they work.  Hook juice up to a lightbulb to test whether it works.  

ESL: Collaborative work and recording data will help reinforce esl vocabulary and understanding of science processes.   

Standards: 6.NS.2, 6.NS.3, 6.NS.4, 6.NS.5, 6.1.2, 6.1.3 

Expansion: This experiement could be expanded to fulfill all of the sixth grade nature of science standards with the addition of predictions, deliberate recording of observations, multiple tests, analysis and presentation of findings.  It could be expanded into a unit-long project.  

ESL: Cooperative learning and recording of data will help reinforce student understanding.  Full use of science procedures will reinforce the scientific method. 

This activity looks like a lot of fun for young learners.  The activity itself should be good for all learners, but the paper at the end that students fill out to show what they have learned might give some students trouble.  I would emphasize using best guess spelling for this paper, and I would spell common words that students will use on the board.  If a student is really having trouble making letters or forming words, you could talk to that student individually and find out what they want to write for each blank, then copy it down for them with a highlighter or other light marker, and have the students trace what you have written with their pencils. K.NS.2 Conduct investigations that may happen over time as a class, in small groups, or independently. K.NS.6 Make and use simple equipment and tools to gather data and extend the senses. 1.3.5 Observe and describe ways in which animals and plants depend on one another for survival.