119081 - Lower KS2 Mixed Ability [THIS DOCUMENT]
This resource is a scientific enquiry where students are guided to observe, record and ask questions for which they will endeavour to find answers.
Ideally there should be two lessons before the visit: one to prepare pictures of imaginary animals which will then be used for the main pre-visit lesson which introduces asking appropriate questions.
Activities are designed to appeal to students of all abilities in upper and lower key stage 2 (years 3-6).
Ideally there should be two lessons before the visit: one to prepare pictures of imaginary animals which will then be used for the main pre-visit lesson which introduces asking appropriate questions. Lesson plans are provided
Students will learn to make observations and are encouraged to note what they see rather than what they think they see or expect. They will ask questions in a sequenced order based on Bloom’s Taxonomy, and realize that there are different ways to find answers and some questions require different sorts of answers. A lesson plan is provided.
Although the task is mainly presented as an on site task, there are plenty of opportunities to follow it up afterwards at school. There is also a suggested lesson to practise asking relevant questions for before the visit. The task can be used as part of a carousel with other resources.
Students will have studied an animal or bird through careful observation with recorded drawings and written notes.
They will also have come up with a number of questions most of which they will have answered from observation, reasoning or from the information boards.
There should be discussion about any ‘unanswerable’ questions.