Scientific Reasoning Standard 1 Children engage in scientific inquiry by:
Standard 2 Children practice science and engineering skills by:
1a. Exploring, observing, and describing
2a. Using a variety of strategies
objects, materials, organisms, and events.
1b. Comparing and categorizing
observable phenomena.
1c. Using understanding of causal
relationships to act on social and physical environments.
1d. Engaging in scientific talk.
to solve problems.
2b. Asking a question, gathering
information, and making predictions.
2c. Planning and conducting
investigations and experiments.
2d. Analyzing results, drawing conclusions,
and communicating results.
1e. Developing an understanding
of the processes that assist people in designing and building.
Plant Exploration Jaden is a 17-year-old high school student who works after school as an assistant in a preschool classroom. Jaden loves plants and wanted to share his passion for them with the preschool children. With support from his program director, Jaden prepared a learning activity about plants for the children. He began by setting out a sensory tub with potting soil, scoops, and cups for the children to explore. Jaden asked the children to use their senses and describe the potting soil. When they noticed it was very dry and dusty, he offered them a spray bottle to water it down. He allowed the children to play for as long as their attention held, and when he noticed that they were ready for a new challenge he introduced empty pots and a plant. He asked the children, "I wonder if we could fill this pot with dirt for this plant?" The children guessed how many scoops were needed to fill the pot and then worked together to scoop the soil. Next, Jaden introduced a plant that was in need of repotting, talking to the children about the plant being “root bound” and in need of a new home. Together they untangled the roots and placed the plant into a new pot. The four children involved in the activity engaged with the soil and plant differently. Marvin was focused on the plant and its roots and listened carefully to the scientific terms Jaden used to describe it, while Ariel and Lucy enjoyed the sensory experience of the soil. Paxton chose to not touch the soil, but closely watched Jaden and his peers at work. Notes:
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