Freebie! Next Generation Science Standards

Hi everyone! This is Sue Cahalane from Science for Kids Blog, I'm here on the 29th of every month.

 Here is a freebie that addresses the Kindergarten Next Generation Science Standard (NGSS)

K-ESS2-2: Construct an argument supported by evidence for how plants and animals (including humans) can change the environment to meet their needs.

Click here or on the picture below to get your copy. 

 The Next Generation Science Standards were released in April of this year. The NGSS is a set of guidelines developed by scientists & educators from 26 states. They are the first broad national recommendations for science education since 1996.  States are not required to adopt them. 

The NGSS intend to:

1. Prepare students to be better decision makers about scientific/tech issues & to apply science to their daily lives

2.  Standardize teaching among states

3.  Increase the number of students who choose a science/tech major in college (which is extremely important for our nation's economic future!!)

4.  Do something in science class - not just memorize facts (YAY for Hands-On Science Programs!!)

5. Have students recognize the relevance of the 4 STEM fields (science, technology, engineering & mathematics) to everyday life

Teachers may cover less topics but dig deeper into topics that are covered. There will be more emphasis on critical thinking & less on rote memorization. The NGSS will require more science instruction in the middle grades and topics such as evolution and climate change will be covered. I have been re-evaluating my science curriculum this summer and I’ve added many things so we are in alignment with the new standards. I hope you can use this freebie and I hope you are having a fantastic summer! 

For other science activities and freebies, please check out my Teachers Pay Teachers store, Facebook page, Pinterest page & my Science for Kids Blog!

What Dissolves? Science Experiment

Hi everyone! This is Sue Cahalane from Science for Kids Blog, I'm here on the 29th of every month.

Here is a fun, easy science experiment that I use to introduce my little ones to the concepts of predicting and experimenting:

 I set up 10 different solids on a table in my classroom- sand, salt, sugar, baking soda, spices such as oregano or pepper, drink mix (Kool Aid, chocolate milk, etc.), flour, coffee and baby powder. 
 

 I then let the children carry out the experiments themselves. Everyone works with a partner and my kids take turns deciding which solid to test. They add a scoop of the solid to water, stir and record results. It is a very independent experiment- I have a classroom of scientists predicting and experimenting at their own pace. They do not have to follow any order of testing the solids- they choose what they would like to experiment with. 

The children are not reading about science out of a text book nor are they watching me demonstrate 10 science experiments. They are doing the science experiments themselves & they LOVE being scientists! It is great to watch the children learn, explore and discover on their own.

For other science activities and freebies, please check out my Teachers Pay Teachers store, Facebook page, Pinterest page & my Science for Kids Blog!

 Happy Summer!