Experiential Learning: The major strategy for this unit is to engage the students in hands-on learning. I want them to be actively participating as inquisitive scientists and engineers. The water filtration activities and engineering projects are designed to be exploratory for the students, so they are engaged in the enjoyment of the inquiry and design as well as the process, successfully “cleaning” water.
Differentiated Instruction: The students will use a variety of approaches, working sometimes individually and sometimes in small groups, determined by the complexity of the activity. Because these are young children with variance in levels and background, guidance and pacing are adjusted to ensure that all students are engaged and active throughout the learning experiences. Students will have opportunities work with a variety of peers as they explore design ideas using a variety of materials.
Cooperative Learning: The students will be given opportunities to work as cooperative groups to complete assignments and activities. This strategy will allow students to work collaboratively taking on various roles necessary to complete the experiments and journal work, with a focus on success for all. A culminating activity will be the “fundraiser” that includes their families as they determine how they would like to support an area of need that we identify as a class.