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This is a lovely idea Fiona. It is so true, the only way to teach biodiversity is to be outside in nature. It sounds like the bee and butterfly garden was a lot of work but so worth the benefits for the whole school community to enjoy.
I like this idea of creating soil layers. It makes the lesson very visual for them. A hands on approach to teaching about soil is very engaging. It would also be very engaging for children with EAL or additional needs as it is so visual.
Both ideas are excellent and really achievable with a class. Definitely something to try out in the new school year. Thanks
Using an Integrative approach to teaching about Maps in the Junior Classes:
1. Reading, ‘Martha Maps it Out’, by Leigh Hodgkinson as the stimulus. This book is full of immersive maps, with unusual details that younger children will discover new facts with every reading. It creates a basis for map discovery and creation.
2. Google Maps- to show the children the location of the school on the interactive whiteboard.
3. Local trail (link with SESE- My Locality) – take a trip around the school and the local area allowing the children to point out key features within the school community, e.g. pedestrian crossing, post office, local shop etc. and their proximity to the school.
4. The children could use the Tablets (Technology) to take photos of things on the trail. (With help of SET teachers, SNA ; maybe 1 tablet per group) The photos could be grouped into a slide show to consolidate the key features of the walking trail.
5. The children could sketch a map of the local area, working in pairs/ small groups marking key features as previously discussed in the classroom.
6. The children could work in pairs / groups to make a map using natural materials / Lego in the classroom.
7. The children could fill in a bar chart (Maths) (prepared by teacher, depending on age of class) filling in the findings of their maps / trail, e.g. How many trees on the school road? How many shops are there in the village? Etc
STEM has become a much more integrated approach to learning. It is not simply as a stand-alone Science / Maths lesson. In terms, of the new curriculum, integration is the key to ensuring that the pupils learning is consolidated. The lessons need to be engaging and student centred. I have found project-based lessons very worthwhile. Lessons that require the children to gather materials, plan, construct, test prototypes and solve real-world problems ensure the children are at the centre point of the investigations. Hands on activities that integrate all aspects of the STEM curriculum. Ensuring that pupils have access to resources and technology, e.g. tablets, computers, website links (depending on investigations) etc . Planning is key to STEM lessons, ensuring that I have a clear focus on the objective that is being undertaken and setting the challenges appropriate to needs of the children, ensuring that children with additional needs are also being included.
