Summer SAVY, Session 5 Day 1, “Water and Weather” (1st-2nd)
What Do Scientists Do & What Is Change?
Today kicked off an exciting week in our Water and Weather course! Students began the day by getting to know each other and reflecting on how learning can sometimes feel like falling into a “learning pit”—but with effort, we can climb out stronger and smarter. After setting classroom expectations with a fun scavenger hunt, we turned our focus to two big questions:
- What is a scientist?
- What is change?
To explore what scientists do, students worked together to sort images of different professionals and discussed what clues might indicate someone is a scientist. After reading What is a Scientist? by Barbara Lehn, they completed a Color, Symbol, Image activity (photo included) to use abstract thinking for “Scientists”. Students also added reflections to their investigation logs using a triangle strategy:
- What do scientists do?
- What makes someone a scientist?
- When is someone not a scientist?
Later in the day, students investigated the concept of change through their senses by comparing unpopped and popped popcorn! Students also talked about things that don’t change and shared thoughtful ideas about why change is such a common part of our world.
Dinner table questions/activities:
- What would you investigate/study/do if you were a scientist?
- Students can also draw pictures of four things at home that change and label them.
- Look for signs of change in your home, neighborhood, or even in the weather, and enjoy continuing the conversation at home!