Observing Over Time

This week's Science lessons was all about observations over time, and how we can use experiments to engage the children in Science. For one of our directed tasks, we had to create a pitfall trap to catch mini-beasts. We used a clean yoghurt pot, and punched 3 small holes in the bottom to drain rainwater, then added a couple of vegetable leaves to attract the mini-beasts. 

We made a hole in the ground and placed the pot at ground level to make it easy for the mini-beasts to access it. 

We covered the pot with a piece of cardboard, and placed some stones around the outside to stop larger creatures from accessing the pot. 

When we returned to it the next day, we found a small slug and a couple of small insects inside. As the bugs were so small, they didn't show up very well in the pictures. 

If I was doing this experiment with a class, I would use multiple pots, and changing the variables. For example, we could place them in different spots, or use different foods in each pot.

In our Science workshop, we created tabletop displays in groups. Our group focused on mould growth, and used bread as an example of this. At home, we placed slices of bread in the house, changing the variables; we used clean hands to touch one slice, dirty hands to touch another etc. 

If this were in a classroom, we would allow the children to make predictions as to which slice would have the fastest/slowest growth mould. We presented this planning sheet, where the children could add their own variables, and move them around to make their predictions. 

We printed out pictures of each slice, so the children would be able to move the pictures around according to which day they thought each slice belonged to. They could then change the variables on the "slices" below the pictures to display their findings.

To encourage their curiosity, we created a question sheet, where there were multiple questions that the children could answer on a post-it note. We made sure that the questions were worded in a way that meant there were no right or wrong answers. 

I am very happy with how are display ended up, and it as given me plenty of ideas for my own classroom.