Tuesday

Writing Across the Curriculum with Science Observations



In order to MAKE time when there's no time to be found, writing across the curriculum means incorporating writing instruction into science time.  With Common Core putting more pressure on us than ever to focus on math, reading and writing, it can feel like a constant struggle to "fit in science and social studies" at the elementary level.  One of the best matches I've found is to marry the idea of teaching the five senses observations as content area objectives while practicing writing using sensory details.

Writing Across the Curriculum:  Science Observations

This mini unit works really well at the beginning of the school year, when the kids are naturally curious about observing their new learning environment.  After a quick review of our content area objectives (defining the 5 senses) I split them up into teams to scope out defined areas of the room. Armed with clipboards, they are ready to record as many observations as they can in 3 minute chunks of time.
Once they have a wide collection, I have them narrow down their list to 3 objects to make sure they described them using 3 senses (inevitably their first list features nothing but sight, in spite of the review).  We play a little guessing game to see how detailed their descriptions are, and then the real content area vocabulary lesson begins.

From the three students choose a single object to focus on.  For our sense of sight and touch I spend time going over domain specific vocabulary; something emphasized in common core writing. 

While most kids focus on the color of objects (something we'll return to later in the year for figurative language) opacity is a new concept.  They tend to forget to mention size as well, so with the explicit instruction this concept can be differentiated.  Some students are ready to go grab a ruler and find a precise length of their object. 

Others need to use comparative statements before they are ready to apply what they know about length, width or height find the measurements of their object.  These comparisons help students understand the science content while practicing writing across the curriculum.  The quality of their writing improves with explicit instruction of science vocabulary. 

Writing Across the Curriculum:  Science observations paragraph

The end result of this data collection process is a multi-paragraph informational piece of writing, which is great for common core, as well an understanding of how to conduct scientific observations in order to explore the world around them.  

What's your favorite way to foster Writing Across the Curriculum and integrate writing into other content areas?

Pinterest Facebook TPT Instagram

7 comments :

  1. The curriculum should be such that the entire curriculum can fulfil the aspirations of the students.I like all those steps which have been taken for preparing new curriculum according to science. Cheap essay writing service

    ReplyDelete
  2. Writing any research paper is difficult to a certain extent. Writing an international relations research paper can be equally daunting. There is a very broad variety of resources to refer to, making it difficult for students to narrow down information specific to their research topic. This is not the case if you order from us. We have a large number of sources we refer to while writing your research papers. Our qualified international relations research paper writers can write your research papers both on quality and on time.

    ReplyDelete
  3. This is an excellent resource for incorporating scientific observation into writing in the classroom. The activities outlined in this guide are engaging and provide students with a hands-on experience that helps them to better understand scientific concepts. I highly recommend this resource for teachers looking to bring the sciences to life in the classroom.

    ReplyDelete
  4. This is a great tool for teaching writing in the classroom that incorporates scientific observation. The fascinating exercises suggested in this manual give students a practical understanding of scientific ideas through hands-on experience. For educators wishing to bring the sciences to life in the classroom, I heartily suggest this resource.

    ReplyDelete
  5. I completely agree with you; while I was a student, I had a similar experience. In actuality, I was worried about my assignments while studying overseas but had no way to get help. Finally, a friend told me about Assignment Services, and it was helpful.

    ReplyDelete
  6. You've included precious info in the above article, students are going to be benefitted definitely. As a business management assignment helper I completely agree on your terms.

    ReplyDelete
  7. I absolutely concur with you; I went through something similar as a student. Actually, when I was studying abroad, I was stressed about my tasks and had nowhere to turn for assistance. At last, I learned about Cheap Essay UK from a friend, and it was beneficial.

    ReplyDelete

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...