Lesson Plans- Why are they so important?

     What do you observe in a science class? At first glance, you may observe hands-on activities, movement and excitement! You may see a table on which various materials are piled ready for the next experiment, or maybe an area of the class that houses a class pet perfect for observation, or maybe you see students gazing into microscopes and discovering new worlds not seen by the naked eye. Science classes provide students with engaging opportunities to learn, explore, and experiment. 
     Yet behind the scenes of every spectacular science adventure that occurs in the classroom is one very important tool- the lesson plan. The lesson plan is the teacher's blueprint for the activities and concepts being taught. Teachers design their lessons based on specific action plans. The lesson plan provides educators with a basic outline on which they can record the necessary skills students need to complete the lesson, the lesson objectives, the procedures, the materials needed, and the assessment tools being used. All of these components need to be carefully considered and prepared in order for a science class to be successful. 
     When planning for elementary science, it is also important that teachers note any safety procedures that the class should be aware of on their lesson plans. Teachers should not assume that their students know how to correctly handle the various materials being used. Students need explicit instruction as to any safety precautions that need to be taken when working with various instruments or materials, such as microscopes, flashlights, tongs, etc. Teachers should also inform students of any sanitary procedures, such as washing of hands when handling certain materials and objects.  
     Another important factor of the science lesson plan is for teachers to list the materials and resources being used. It is wise to include the locations where the resources are found which can be very helpful when the lesson is replicated at a future time. Teachers should also make sure that their students are actively using the materials throughout the lesson. A successful science lesson is not based on merely reading about concepts, but actively using the senses to explore and experience concepts. 
     Overall, a well planned lesson is vital to an engaging and meaningful science class. So the next time you observe a science class, full of action and curiosity, think about the time and effort that teachers have poured into carefully developed lesson plans. These lesson plans are the map of the day's science explorations and the tool used to plot the next science adventures.  

On-line Resource for Elementary Science Educators

   

     One on-line resource that I recommend as a supplement to an elementary classroom curriculum is found at www.scholastic.com/magicschoolbus. Join in on the adventures of Ms. Frizzle and her class as they explore many diverse topics you will most likely encounter in the elementary science classroom. This website includes a thematic index of topics covered in the Magic School Bus books. Various classroom activities are presented as well as ideas for science experiments, complete with materials needed. Virtual field trips are also an option through this website! I recommend checking out this fun website, as well as the Magic School Bus books and videos, which all can provide interesting encounters with the world of science for your elementary grade students!

My Science Story

     As I look back, my childhood overflowed with science! Light and color flashed across my bedroom walls as dozens of prisms dangled over each window. My pet turtle, Merlin, crawled through the jungle I had created for him in his own glass terrarium. Rock collections and seashells filled velvet bags and jars neatly lined up on a bookcase shelf. Even a mobile of the solar system hung above my bed, the ceiling complete with a set of glow in the dark constellation stickers. Wow! I think I was a science nerd... I just didn’t realize it!

     My most vivid memories of experiencing science in school are from my sixth grade science class. My teacher’s passion and enthusiasm for science resembled that of Ms. Frizzle, from the Magic School Bus books. My teacher would even wear prints and pictures on her clothing that reflected what we were currently learning! During this class, I used microscopes to discover the complexity of diatoms, the parts of paramecium, and the rigid plant cells lined up in layers of onion.  For one class, students wore white plastic gloves, ready to hold and poke the slippery squid and explore the squishy parts of oysters and clams that our teacher had laid out on a special science table. Later in the school year, I even dissected a sheep’s eyeball, a frog, and an abnormally large earthworm. (Although I did not find these particular activities appealing in the least bit!)  Overall, my sixth grade science experience proved to be one of adventure and discovery that I thoroughly enjoyed!

     As you can see, many seeds of science have been planted in my life. I am excited to return to a science classroom... this time taking Ms. Frizzle’s role! I know that my students are budding scientists as they each bring curiosity and wonder into the classroom. It will be my job to give them many opportunities to explore the world of science and to discover the everyday situations in which science is involved.  I look forward to this next adventure as I take a part in planting the seeds of science in the next generation of learners!