Science...
Hands Off
Becomes Hands On

At Lincoln Trail Elementary School in Mahomet, Illinois, science is changing from a text-based, "hands-off"
curriculum to a "hands-on" curriculum. Through participation in Build on Science project, teachers have carefully examined the existing curriculum to facilitate this change. Lincoln Trail was also fortunate to receive a "Tried and True" grant from ISBE. This grant for connectivity to the internet will allow us to add technology across the curriculum promoting engaged learning.
Where did we begin? As a part of our six year curricular cadre cycle, we examined science
with the purpose of piloting new textbooks. The texts in use at the time were very old and out of date. We followed the cadre protocol using a needs assessment. The results of the assessment showed that teachers wanted to pursue a process based hands-on curriculum.

Background

For the past year, elementary teachers have been working with Marilyn Sinclair to develop a comprehensive K-5 Science curriculum. This process has been funded through a three year Build on Science grant from ISBE. Teachers at each grade level (K-5) have been creating and piloting their respective units. These units are now ready to be implemented during the 1996-1997 school year. During the summer, teachers will be developing the second unit which will be read to be piloted in the fall. By implementing on new unit per yer, the entire updated curriculum will be in place by the 2000-2001 school year.
Our Priorities
  1. Examine current practice in science instruction in our K-5 classrooms.
  2. Find curricular overlaps and ommissions.
  3. Refine science instruction to four units of study per grade level.
  4. Outline and approve a coordinated, complete K-5 science curriculum.
  5. Develop the first science unit during the summer.
  6. Pilot the first unit.
  7. Inservice the teachers on the first unit developed.
  8. Implement the first developed unit.
  9. Continue the cycle of: develop, pilot, inservice, and implement until all four units are in place.
  10. Have a hands-on curriculum that utilizes technology and promotes engaged learning.
Where Were We? Where Are We Going?
Third Grade Units Before
Third Grade Units After
Habitats
Chemical Tests
Rocks and Minerals
Rocks and Minerals
Solar System
Solar System
Cells
Sound
Matter
Magnets and Electricity


The Updated K-5 Science Curriculum
K.
Gr. 1
Gr.2
Gr.3
Gr.4
Gr.5
Farm Animals
Animals
Animal Classes
Sound
Weather
Animals/Plants
Woodland Animals
Plants
Weather
Space
Earth History
Oceans
Weather
Senses
Oceans/Beaches
Chemical Tests
Simple Machines
Oceans
Water
Light,Color and Shadows
Structures
Rocks and Minerals
Light
Electricity and Magnetism

To view curricular material developed please click here.


Science Surfin' Sites

Bill Nye the Science Guy .
Beakman's World .
Mr. Wizard .
The Exploratorium.
Yahooligans: Science and Oddities.
NSTA (National Science Teachers Association).
The Nine Planets.
NASA Ames Research Center K-12 Resources.
Directory of Hands on Science Centers.
NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration).
Click here to send Su your favorite Science Surfin' Site URL.


Family Science Night

This area under construction



Click here to send e-mail to Su with comments, problems, or great science ideas!