Strategies
Biology Picture Walk
A picture walk is a fun and interactive way to introduce students to a new topic of study. It does take time to build a picture file for specific topics, but the bonus is they can be used year after year. You can collect pictures of all kinds of animals and plants from sources such as National Geographic magazine. You can also collect physical examples, such as plants, shells, and plastic figures. Arrange the pictures on poster sized paper. While the students look at the pictures and physical objects they will write observations, thoughts, and questions on the Post-it notes and stick them to the poster. I emphasize placing the Post-it notes beside the pictures, rather than on top, so others can see the pictures. I discuss what to do when an area is crowded and how to move onto another poster and return later. I invite the students to go on an observation walk for about 15 minutes. Come together and share thinking. Share with students that biology is the study of life. "Bio" is the root word for "life." A biologist is a scientist who studies living things. There are many specialty scientists and for this unit I will discuss that an entomologist is a scientist who studies insects. I plan on inviting an entomologist or entomology PhD student from a local university to visit my classroom.
Informational Posters
I will copy Figures 1 and 2 onto transparencies and then project them onto a large paper. I will trace the images lightly in pencil. To assist students in learning the different parts of the body, I will trace each part of the body in a different colored marker and label the body parts. In small groups the students will create their own posters of figures 1 and 2.
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