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Science Taking It Outside. Amy Chea achea@houstonisd.org. Agenda. Introduction Logistics of Teaching Science Outdoors Outdoor Activity Questions & Answers Closing. Education Today & Tomorrow Video. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fnh9q_cQcUE. What Are We Doing?.
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ScienceTaking It Outside Amy Chea achea@houstonisd.org
Agenda • Introduction • Logistics of Teaching Science Outdoors • Outdoor Activity • Questions & Answers • Closing
Education Today & Tomorrow Video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fnh9q_cQcUE
What Are We Doing? • Get teachers to teach outside • Why? Engaging, relevant, retaining information for long term, and increasing student’s awareness • How? Managing space, time, materials, and students
Managing Space • Know your outdoor spaces • Accessible (should be within 2-5 minutes walk) • Size (should be large enough to work but small enough to supervise) • Set clear boundaries • Safety and comfort (wear sunglasses and caps, apply sunblock)
Managing Time • Time of day (avoid late afternoon) • Time of year (work with plants and insect during spring time) • Be mindful of busy traffic time around school • Be flexible • Travel time, instructional time, investigational time, and wrap up
Elementary time recommendations for classroom/outdoor investigations Grades K-1: At least 80% of instructional time Grades 2-3: At least 60% Grades 4-5: At least 50%
Managing Materials • Student’s tool kit • Teacher’s kit • Notebook
Managing Students • Make going outside a routine • Set ground rules (outdoor science is • not recess) • Practice routine (attention signal, home base) • Have sharing circle where students are not facing the sun; teachers facing the sun • Buddy system • Have a clear focus goal for today’s lesson
Teaching Strategies • Set a learning tone • Assign roles and responsibilities • Get them writing and recording