This reflection is representative of one of the most complex concepts in the second grade science curriculum. Often times when we begin talking about the water cycle, students seem very confused. It is really one of those topics that is best learned through hands on experience and visual representation. Each year when I teach the water cycle I create with my class water cycle bags. We fill Ziploc bags 1/4 of the way with water, add blue food coloring and draw a sun and some waves on the bag. We then hang the bags on the windows and watch the water cycle happen over and over again. Each time we see a new stage we label it on a nearby chart. The kids love this and it really helps them grasp the ideas.
Since getting a Smart Board in my class I have also been able to use video, such as The Magic School Bus: Wet All Over to demonstrate the steps of the water cycle in a kid friendly way. What is great about Prezi is that you can create a visually stimulating presentation that includes all of the elements that work in teaching this lesson. I like that with Prezi you can add video, photos, and text, making an ordinary classroom lesson extraordinary! While this Prezi is a great introduction to the water cycle, when I reach this unit with my class I plan to add actual pictures of our water cycle bags and charts in order to really drive it home for my kids.
In keeping with my portfolio theme, I thought that this Prezi would be a great artifact to add so that children could share this process and learning with their families at home.
Table of Contents
Water Cycle Prezi
Reflection
This reflection is representative of one of the most complex concepts in the second grade science curriculum. Often times when we begin talking about the water cycle, students seem very confused. It is really one of those topics that is best learned through hands on experience and visual representation. Each year when I teach the water cycle I create with my class water cycle bags. We fill Ziploc bags 1/4 of the way with water, add blue food coloring and draw a sun and some waves on the bag. We then hang the bags on the windows and watch the water cycle happen over and over again. Each time we see a new stage we label it on a nearby chart. The kids love this and it really helps them grasp the ideas.
Since getting a Smart Board in my class I have also been able to use video, such as The Magic School Bus: Wet All Over to demonstrate the steps of the water cycle in a kid friendly way. What is great about Prezi is that you can create a visually stimulating presentation that includes all of the elements that work in teaching this lesson. I like that with Prezi you can add video, photos, and text, making an ordinary classroom lesson extraordinary! While this Prezi is a great introduction to the water cycle, when I reach this unit with my class I plan to add actual pictures of our water cycle bags and charts in order to really drive it home for my kids.
In keeping with my portfolio theme, I thought that this Prezi would be a great artifact to add so that children could share this process and learning with their families at home.
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