Term 2
For Kindergarten science, investigating "change" can involve exploring physical and observable changes in materials, like melting ice, dissolving sugar, or mixing colors. Young learners can also investigate changes in living things, such as growing plants or seasonal changes. Hands-on activities, like experiments with baking soda and vinegar, can introduce the concept of chemical reactions in a fun and engaging way.
Sure! Here’s a more detailed breakdown of the Kindergarten Science lesson on the concept of "change," including background information, expanded activities, and additional resources.
Grade Level: Kindergarten
Duration: 45-60 minutes
Topic: Change
Learning Objectives:
Observation and Identification: Students will observe and describe changes in materials and living things.
Understanding Change: Students will learn that change can occur in different forms, including physical changes (like melting) and biological changes (like growth).
Communication of Ideas: Students will express their observations and ideas about change verbally and visually.
Understanding Change: Change is a fundamental concept in science that refers to the transformation of objects, materials, or living things over time. In the Kindergarten context, it is important to approach this topic through hands-on experiences, allowing students to engage with their environment and make observations.
Some key types of change that can be explored include:
Physical Change: Changes that affect one or more physical properties of a substance without altering its chemical composition (e.g., melting ice).
Biological Change: Changes that occur in living organisms over time, such as growth, development, and seasonal changes in plants and animals.
Environmental Change: Changes occurring in the environment, such as weather patterns and seasonal transitions.
Introduction (10 minutes)
Discussion:
Begin by asking open-ended questions to stimulate thinking. Examples:
"What do you think change means?"
"Can you think of something you saw change today?"
Write down students' responses on a whiteboard or chart paper to visualise their thoughts.
Show Examples:
Use ice cubes to demonstrate a physical change. Hold up an ice cube and ask, "What is this?" Encourage students to describe its characteristics (solid, cold, hard).
Share seasonal change pictures, highlighting how trees lose leaves in autumn or flowers bloom in spring. Ask students how they might feel about these changes.
Activity 1: Melting Ice (15 minutes)
Observation:
Distribute ice cubes to each student. Ask them to look closely and describe what they see, prompting them to consider:
"What happens when you hold it?"
"What do you think will happen to the ice if we wait a little while?"
Demonstration:
Place an ice cube on a plate in front of the class. Observe it together, noting the start of melting. Discuss:
"What do you see happening?"
"Is the ice cube still the same shape?"
Recording Observations:
Provide students with paper to draw two pictures: one of the ice cube at the beginning and another after it has melted.
After the activity, create a class chart titled "Changes We Observed," where students can share their drawings and observations.
Activity 2: Growth of Seeds (15 minutes)
Planting Seeds:
Provide small pots or cups with soil and bean seeds for each student. Demonstrate how to plant a seed in the soil, explaining that they will be observing it grow over time.
Discuss the basic needs of plants (water, sunlight, soil) and how these contribute to change.
Discussion:
Ask students what they think will happen to the seed after they plant it. Encourage predictions about what the seed will look like in a week or a month.
Introduce vocabulary such as "germination," "growth," and "change."
Observation Journal:
Hand out simple journals or sheets of paper for students to record their observations. They can draw pictures and write about what they see weekly or bi-weekly as the seeds grow, focusing on changes in size, colour, and shape.
Activity 3: Seasonal Changes (10 minutes)
Seasonal Pictures:
Show pictures of various seasons and discuss the changes that occur in nature during each season. Ask questions such as:
"What happens to animals in winter?"
"How do plants change in spring?"
Art Activity:
Provide art supplies (crayons, markers) and let students choose their favourite season to illustrate. Encourage them to include elements that signify change (e.g., snowflakes for winter, flowers for spring).
As they work, circulate and ask them to explain their drawings, reinforcing the concept of change.
Conclusion (5 minutes)
Sharing Observations:
Gather students in a circle and ask them to share one observation they made during the lesson, either about the ice melting, the seeds, or their artwork.
Encourage students to reflect on the different types of changes they explored and how these changes are part of everyday life.
Wrap-Up Discussion:
Reinforce the idea that change is all around us and can be exciting to observe. Encourage students to keep an eye out for changes in their environment and at home.
Books: Consider reading picture books that illustrate change, such as "The Very Hungry Caterpillar" by Eric Carle (growth and transformation) or "Snowball" by Liza Charlesworth (seasonal changes).
Videos: Use short educational videos that show time-lapse growth of plants or melting ice to reinforce visual learning.
Nature Walk: If time permits, take students on a short nature walk to observe changes in the environment, such as tree leaves, flowers, or insects.
This detailed lesson plan provides a comprehensive approach to teaching Kindergarten students about change through observation, hands-on activities, and creative expression, fostering curiosity and engagement in the scientific process.