Science is one of the major aspects of the Common Core testing. According to Core Standards, students must understand how to formulate theories and read visual information like flowcharts and diagrams. You can give your students a chance to do some hands-on science learning by introducing environmental education into your classroom. Here are some activities to try:
Take a walk
Even if your school is located in the big city, taking a walk can provide ample opportunities to teach your students about the environment. Go for a stroll around your campus, notebooks in hand. Students can make notes of wildlife they see, from squirrels and house sparrows to bugs. Talk about any foliage you notice like trees, grass and flowers. If you can, go to a local green space like a park or even a conservatory. Here, you can discuss natural habitats, like what species are native to your area, or look at more foreign creatures like butterflies and tropical plants.
Test your students' hearing
Some people can identify an animal just by the sound these creatures make. Students who grow up in an urban environment may have never had the chance to try this fun activity. Record some sounds from creatures in your community like bird calls, chipmunks chattering and rabbits thumping their feet. See if your class can identify these critters just by hearing their calls and sounds. Use this as a starting point to delve into learning about each animal.
Go to the zoo
When talking about ecosystems and habitats, many students will learn better by being emerged in their learning and seeing examples in person. The zoo is a great place to do this. Here, your students can stroll among the many animals that they may never see in the wild, like big cats, crocodiles and zebras. Each species is in a replica of its natural habitat, which you can use to discuss what adaptations animals must have to survive in varying environments. Even humans have adapted, with some changing skin colors to handle intense sunlight or creating fires and light to live through dark, cold winters. Don't forget to encourage your students to use all their senses – sight isn't the only tool they can learn from! Smelling the hay at the giraffe exhibit and the water the otters play in can solidify these facts in their memories.
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