Literature and Writing are Big “Additions” to Science

Anyone stepping into our classrooms before or after school can see exactly “what” our students are learning by observing several student work areas. They would see items such as a concept map, sticky notes, article clippings, posters, diagrams, and more on our science bulletin boards to show where their learning is leading them. Most of the features on these bulletin boards are student made. The concept map is the key feature that provides us with clues about where the learning will most likely go next. We can then provide supplies and materials to help them continue their learning journey and discover their next piece of evidence to support the “big idea” on their concept map. Sticky notes become the holding tank for key questions that help connect these newly learned pieces. Students love to personalize these pieces through independent projects and group work by creating posters and diagrams that highlight their experimental findings and research.