In Term 3
Kindergarten Science curriculum in NSW aims to create a foundation for scientific literacy, encouraging young learners to think critically and explore the world with curiosity and enthusiasm.
Exploration and Investigation: Students are encouraged to explore their environment through hands-on activities, fostering a sense of wonder and curiosity about the world around them.
Observation Skills: Kindergarten students learn to make observations and describe their findings using simple language. This includes noting properties of materials, changes over time, and patterns in nature.
Scientific Concepts: The curriculum introduces basic concepts such as living and non-living things, the five senses, and simple physical properties of objects (e.g., size, shape, colour).
Asking Questions: Students are encouraged to ask questions about their observations and experiences, laying the groundwork for critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Communication: Children learn to communicate their observations and ideas through various means, such as drawing, speaking, and using simple written forms.
Hands-On Learning: The curriculum emphasises experiential learning, where students engage in activities such as outdoor exploration, simple experiments, and sensory activities.
Integration with Other Learning Areas: Science learning in Kindergarten often integrates with literacy and numeracy, allowing students to practice skills in context. This includes reading stories related to science, counting objects in nature, or measuring items.
Focus on Inquiry: The inquiry-based approach encourages students to predict outcomes, test their ideas, and reflect on their findings, promoting a lifelong love for learning and exploration.
Connection to the Environment: Students learn about their immediate environment, fostering an appreciation for nature and an understanding of their role in the ecosystem.
Objective:
Students will understand the concept of change by observing and discussing changes in their environment.
Materials Needed:
Items that change (e.g., ice cubes, fruit, leaves, or flowers)
Magnifying glasses
Paper and crayons for drawing
A timer or clock (for timed observations)
Introduction (10 minutes):
Discussion: Start with a discussion about what change means. Ask questions like:
What does change mean to you?
Can you think of things that change?
Examples: Share examples of changes that they might see every day, such as weather changes, growth of plants, or changes in food (like when fruit ripens).
Activity 1: Ice to Water (15 minutes):
Observation: Give each student an ice cube. Ask them to observe it closely using magnifying glasses.
Discussion: Discuss what they see and predict what will happen to the ice cube over time.
Experiment: Place the ice cubes in different locations (like outside in the sun and inside the classroom). Set a timer for 10 minutes, then check back to see the changes.
Activity 2: Nature Walk (15 minutes):
Exploration: Take the students outside for a nature walk. Look for examples of change in the environment, such as:
Plants growing
Leaves changing colour
Animals in different stages of life (if applicable)
Recording Observations: Have students use crayons to draw something they saw that showed change.
Conclusion (10 minutes):
Sharing: Allow students to share their drawings and discuss what they observed during the nature walk.
Reflection: Ask them to think about how change is a part of their lives and the world around them.
Extension Ideas:
Create a "Change Chart" in the classroom where they can add images or drawings of things that change over time.
Read a story about change (e.g., "The Very Hungry Caterpillar" by Eric Carle).
This lesson plan encourages observation, discussion, and creativity, helping kindergarten students grasp the concept of change in a fun and engaging way.