Vascular or Non Vascular, That is the Question...

One of the four plant centers... I love science, it is my absolute favorite subject. Having a mother who was a Horticulture major at UGA, and now a 4th Grade Science teacher... how could I not LOVE this unit!!

Vascular & Non Vascular Plants from Katie Barker on Vimeo.

Venus Flytrap Discussion

Intro to Plant Classification Lesson: students respond to my question, "What is a Venus Flytrap?"

Plant Classification Venus Flytrap Intro from Katie Barker on Vimeo.

Throwback to Junior Year of College

When I was interning in a first grade classroom, I taught a lesson on "Greater Than and Less Than" using this song and activity.

Ally The Alligator Math Song from Katie Barker on Vimeo.

This lesson involved the 5th grade students rotating in 4 centers throughout an hour and fifteen minute class period. Students dissected flowers, examined vascular and nonvascular plants, noted key differences between gymnosperms and angiosperms, and watched countless videos online via QR codes. Students were assigned different tasks which helped them discover the characteristics of plants in a hands-on, discovery-based learning environment. Students even saw a Venus Flytrap "EAT" my finger!!!!

Dragon Lab

Students interacting with the genetics Dragon Lab. Probably one of my favorite lessons ever! The lesson, which filled up an entire science block was too long to post as a video. The screenshots in the above video show a few interactions with the students. Using a key chart, the students determined genetic traits of dragons by building dominant and recessive genes with different color M&M's.

What's Your Point of View

Teaching this lesson on Point of View with my 5th grade students was such a blast! The kids loved watching the trailers, writing their own scripts, and making their own mini videos.

My Favorite Lab Ever

The first lesson I was observed with, my senior year student teaching, was this baby! Genetics! I love science! It is my absolute favorite! I thought why not relate the lesson to something the kids like and understand? Better yet, how about I relate it to a movie. What better movie than one that concerns stereotypes, character and inherited traits, and learned behaviors? What could be better than "How to Train Your Dragon,"? The students discovered genetic traits for their dragons by choosing colored M&M's from different bowls. Each combination warranted a different physical trait. The kids loved it, I loved it, it was a blast! Hands-on, inquiry-based, open-discussion: the kids were hooked! We went through this Prezi and discussed what we saw. The kids didn't wanna stop watching the videos... until I brought out the M&M's and dragon coloring sheets that is!!! What fun!