Linda F. Malanson
My curriculum unit is divided into eighteen basic sections. It is targeted at second grade “scientists”, but can be simplified for Kindergarten or extended to sixth grade. (This way my curriculum will be of more use to more teachers.)
It is also my hope that my second graders will “catch fire” with all the scientific knowledge available and will view themselves as “scientists”. This is something I was not able to do as a child . . . (I was taught early on that I was a “lousy scientist” by several teachers . . . )
Since children learn far faster with the “hands-on” approach, I intend to make these eighteen sections into “hands-on” projects and/or activities. At the same time these activities will run the gamut of the curriculum.
In other words, this curriculum will be integrated into mathematics, reading, language arts, social studies, music, physical education and art. Extension activities will be included in the appendix. This curriculum unit will be presented over an eighteen week period.
My main objectives are:
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1. To write the finest curriculum unit of which I am able.
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2. To “light a fire” in my little scientists so they view themselves as “real scientists”.
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3. To convey knowledge in a “hands-on” manner.
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4. To share my curriculum with other innovative teachers who can also “light a fire”, too, in their classrooms.
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5. To make my curriculum unit user friendly.
