§112.11. Science,
Kindergarten, Beginning with School Year 2010-2011.
(a) Introduction.
(1) Science, as defined by the National Academy
of Sciences, is the "use of evidence to construct testable explanations
and predictions of natural phenomena, as well as the knowledge generated
through this process."
(2) Recurring themes are pervasive in sciences,
mathematics, and technology. These ideas transcend disciplinary boundaries and
include patterns, cycles, systems, models, and change and constancy.
(3) The study of elementary science includes
planning and safely implementing classroom and outdoor investigations using
scientific processes, including inquiry methods, analyzing information, making
informed decisions, and using tools to collect and record information, while
addressing the major concepts and vocabulary, in the context of physical, earth,
and life sciences. Districts are encouraged to facilitate classroom and outdoor
investigations for at least 80% of instructional time.
(4) In
Kindergarten, students observe and describe the natural world using their five
senses. Students do science as inquiry in order to develop and enrich their
abilities to understand scientific concepts and processes. Students develop
vocabulary through their experiences investigating properties of common
objects, earth materials, and organisms
How I will use these TEKS in my class:
At this young age science needs to be fun! (1) I will introduce what science is to my
class. Science time will be the most fun
for me because I want to dress like a scientist with the lab coat, goggles, and
gloves. Dressing like a scientist is a great introduction to science safety
too! You have to grab the student’s attention right off the bat. (2) I will
have a whole science center in my classroom. I want volcano models, posters of
weather cycles, an electric solar system mobile, and a bunch of hands on science gadgets.
Going on the field trips to the science museum were my favorite elementary. Being able to dig dinosaur bones and going
into the room with the star show was amazing! Now with the technology of
projectors and smart boards I will so have the solar system projected on my
class ceiling when that lesson comes about.
So many things teachers can bring into the classroom to teach about the
cycles in nature. (3) Again, posters and models of science safety is a must. It
can be hard for even a college student to remember the proper way to hold a
microscope or remember to put on goggles before using chemicals, so colorful
posters of science safety is a must in my classroom. I would like my students
to keep a journal of science lessons. After the lesson I would like to have
students write and illustrate what they have learned and maybe have them take
notes for observations of experiments to develop their hypothesis. I would also
like to expand my science lab to the great outdoors; so many things to learn
outside the classroom and the kids love it! (4) Vocabulary will always be
connected with each subject in my class. I think mixing ideas and vocabulary
with other subjects help students relate and better understand what and why
they are learning.
My Favorite Science TEKS
My favorite and the most important TEKS for science are
1&2. First students need to know
what science is. The introduction to
what science can be the most important lesson in this subject. We have to grab these kiddo’s attention right
off the bat or we will lose them for the remainder of all science lessons. Dress up like a scientist, ask them what they
know about science, and maybe talk like a mad scientist. The next most important of the TEKS would be including
patterns, cycles, systems, models, and change and constancy. I am a visual learner so having models and
charts will not only help my visual learners learn, it will help me remember
what to teach! Keeping the science center updated and interesting will keep
science fun and exciting. KIDS LIKE NEW! Bring in new gadgets the kids can play
with and put up new posters for your science center…maybe include some books
related to that week’s lesson. I am sure
all the TEKS are important but those have been my favorite because that’s where
I believe I can be most strong in for science.
Our world seems to run on technology these days. I mean everything is done electronically AND I MEAN EVERYTHING! Down to communicating to a person who may be sitting in the very next room! Cough cough TEXTING! So why not make technology more useful and use it in classrooms to assess? My favorite this week is Insperation, which integrates visual learning through technology. Yes, we shouldn't completely do away with living, breathing, human beings BUT using technology to make learning more meaningful is GREAT!
Web 2.0 tools was the highlight of my Integrating
Technology class. Using web tools such as this blog in my classroom never even crossed my mind. Now I have so many great ideas on how I will use these tools to enhance the learning experience and relationship with my students, parents, and other teachers.
