Getting students to “buy into” science can sometimes be difficult. It doesn’t have the enchantment that fiction does or the little silly moments. In addition, it doesn’t always seem real world applicable like nonfiction stories do. How can you make science more engaging for students? By blending art and science together using a Science Write Activity.
Blending Science and Art with the Water Cycle
One of my favorite units to teach is the water cycle. The water cycle is great because you can teach about all the different types of matter: solid, liquid, and gas. Plus, it’s easily real-world applicable because water is something we use for all sort of things! Did you know the water cycle can be used to enhance almost every content area? With the Water Cycle Science Write Activity, your students will be able to read, write, and create a wonderful classroom display. If you want to add some math, all you need to do is talk about measuring water for recipes, rainfall, and more!
What is a Science Write Activity?
A science write activity is great for blending art and science together. By using the pre-made reading passages, writing organizers, and more, your students will be able to practice a variety of skills. In the end, they create a beautiful classroom display. So, how does a Science Write Activity work?
Read All About Science!
When you start your Science Write Activity, you start with the science by reading about your topic. In this case, you have pre-made reading passages all about the water cycle. When students are reading about these concepts, they are using so many of the reading skills you have taught. You can even discuss how to read, and the activities you have done with Picture Book Pals this May.
Write About It!
After your students read, they get to write about all the great things they learned! With the Science Write Activity, you get a pre-made writing activity that will keep students’ ideas organized. Before students write about what they know, there are also pre-made organizers to help them brainstorm before making a final draft. When you do this, you’re start to blend your science with other content areas. This is also a great way to check for understanding before you start blending science and art.
Blending Science and Art
Now that your students have done all the work to read and write about science, they get to re-create their learning with a fun art project. This art project is low maintenance for teachers. All you need is a paper plate, some paint, construction paper, cotton balls, and glue. When students create this visually appealing wall display, they’ll be showcasing what they know. In this way, you have informal assessment of students’ knowledge that you can hang on your wall.
While science can be hard to teach at times, blending science and art makes it so much better. Furthermore, with this Science Writing Activity, your students are going to be doing more than blending science and art. They will also get plenty of nonfiction reading practice as well as writing practice. Showing their work in the form of art is a great way to showcase what your students know! Plus, it is a whole lot of fun for students.
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