One of my favorite beginning of the year projects centers around our Ocean unit for science. It's tough to plan very many hands-on activities when studying such a concept (just wait for the Nocturnal Animals unit, though! Then it's owl pellet time.)
Our biggest project during the Ocean unit is a 5 paragraph report on an animal of a student's choice. This year I was mean and limited the choice to 5 different creatures: Great white shark, Octopus, Seahorse, Blue whale, Dolphin.
This project is very extensive for a second grader, but it works really well every year. Why? I think there are a few reasons:
- The subject content is high interest. Who doesn't want to learn that a Blue whale is close in size to a space shuttle? Or that the Great white shark's liver is oily and helps the fish to float?
- The kids are aware that much is being asked of them. They love feeling pushed and they love knowing that they are completing work that a much older child might do.
- At the end of the report, the kids meet with me and we revise their work together. Then it's Poster Time.
Poster Time is bliss. Poster Time calls for the roles of architect and graphic designer. There is a large, blank canvas awaiting each child. There are no ground rules other than: use a pencil, get creative. Their edited work helps guide the process.
I'm amazed at their patience, tenacity, and creativity. They take a huge white poster and they fill it with ideas, fun titles, pictures, drawings. And when it's finally time to cart away these awesome writing specimens, you see the pride they have while clutching their rolled up masterpieces.
So. Coming Soon Directly To You:
An Awesome Ocean Poster.
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| Andrew is working hard on some final details. Love the catchy borders. |
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| It's nearly complete! Already a masterpiece. |
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