Session 11
Session at a Glance
| Topic | Description | Estimated Time (In Minutes) |
|---|---|---|
| Arrival Activity | Students use the jars and soil they brought to class to set up a “soil profile test.” After adding water to a small amount of soil in their jar, they shake the jar and then put it aside until later in the class. They make predictions about what will happen to the contents of the jar when left undisturbed for about an hour. | 10 |
| Welcome, Announcements, and Agenda | Give a general overview of the session and any relevant announcements, and provide time for sharing. | 5 |
| Math Focus: Number Operations | Students explore the big ideas about number operations. Students use Goldfish® crackers in a “Snack Time Math” activity to act out number operations. They watch and discuss two Erikson videos. | 60 |
| Discussion: Three Aspects of Science Learning/An Ecological Perspective | Students do an activity to learn about the three aspects of science learning (content, process skills, and dispositions). They learn the meaning of “an ecological perspective” and discuss how teachers can support an ecological perspective in young children. | 25 |
| Science Focus: Exploring Soil | Students participate in the exemplar activity: Exploring Soil. They make predictions about what they will find in the soil and compare and investigate the variety of soils brought to class. They observe and compare the results of the soil profiles they set up during the Arrival Activity. | 40 |
| Looking Ahead to Next Session | Discuss the homework and reading assignment to be completed before next session, and address the materials that the students will be responsible for bringing. | 10 |
Instructor Guide
- Session 11_Instructor Guide (PPF, 82MB)
- Session 11_PowerPoint (PPTX, 64MB)
- Session 11_Exemplar_Exploring Soil (PDF, 484KB)
- Reader_Session 11_Snack Time Math Activity handout (PDF, 532KB)
- Reader_Session 11_Sowing the Seeds of Wonder book excerpt (PDF, 197KB)
Student Learning Goals
- Learn developmentally appropriate ways to help young children build their understanding of number operations.
- Become familiar with the three overlapping aspects of science learning - content, process skills, and dispositions.
- Appreciate the importance of an ecological perspective.
- Recognize the value of incorporating soil exploration into life science investigations.
