This week I designed a lesson plan for second graders about the life cycles of insects using the 5 E’s Strategy. I thought the 5 E’s strategy was helpful because it made me think about specific questions that I would want to ask my students to get them thinking like scientists. Also, I was forced to think through ways to really engage my students in the learning process and come up with a plan for identifying possible misconceptions. This process was different from the way I usually plan my lessons because I spent a great deal of time on the planning piece. Normally, I have very little time to devote to planning so I don’t take the time to think through all the 5 E’s strategies. I usually spend time during science class thinking about these things as I’m teaching the lesson and make adjustments as needed. I plan to implement this lesson with my students starting in April, after we get back to school from spring break. I mailed in my coupon for painted lady butterfly larva and it should arrive that week. At this time I don’t feel that there are any issues that need to be addressed with implementing this lesson.
I am guilty of not taking the time to think through all of the 5 E's strategies. Studying the life cycle of an insect is so interesting. In my second grade class we use butterflies instead of lady bugs. The students are so excited to see how they change each day. They are so excited and engaged, and they truly do learn so much. I hope that your lesson is a success.
ReplyDeleteI have always enjoyed using meal worms when we study the life cycle. They are relatively cheep, easy to care for and can be used through many cycles. I think it is less than 3 weeks from the beginning to end. The students enjoy looking at their mouth and their feeding methods. I think they love taking them out of the container and handling them.
ReplyDeleteThat sounds like so much fun, in physical science in middle school we do not do butterflies or lady bugs. I remember when my kids were in elementary school and how much they loved this in their classrooms. I didn't even know about the five E's strategy, but is certainly makes sense.
ReplyDeleteOhhh... Thanks, Marise for the suggestion of using meal worms to study life cycles. I think my students would be fascinated with them. Plus, I've never used them before so it would be a learning experience for me.
ReplyDeleteThe Painted Lady butterflies are such a fun lesson! Your students will be extremely engaged, and the 5 Es format makes it easier to be sure they are learning the content as well. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteDiana,
ReplyDeleteI understand your concern with planning time. We have a 40 minute prep time at the beginning of the day for that purpose, which always seems to get taken away by the other things that seem to slip onto your desk during a school day. Planning for the 5E's was a great experience, but being able to consider all five of the parts is hard to manage due to time issues. I am still searching for ideas to address this issue, if you have any ideas, please send them my way. Thanks for sharing!