Science Talk...Outdoors! - Parent Guide to Outdoor Activities (Ages 8+)

Summary

In this video, Michelle from the Lawrence Mall Science introduces the 'I Notice, I Wonder, It Reminds Me Of, I Think Maybe' activity to help children develop curiosity and critical thinking. By using these four simple sentence starters, kids engage in making observations, asking questions, connecting ideas, and forming explanations. Michelle explains how this routine can be done both outdoors and indoors, whether exploring nature or watching nature shows. The activity not only nurtures scientific inquiry but also helps children express thoughts and feelings, making it a valuable tool for learning and emotional exploration, especially during challenging times.

Takeaways

• 😀 The activity encourages curiosity through four simple sentence starters: 'I notice,' 'I wonder,' 'It reminds me of,' and 'I think maybe.'
• 😀 The routine helps children make observations, ask questions, connect experiences, and create explanations based on what they observe.
• 😀 Parents are encouraged to use the prompts while exploring nature, whether at home or in a park.
• 😀 The 'I notice' prompt helps children focus on making direct observations about objects in their environment.
• 😀 The 'I wonder' prompt encourages children to ask questions about what they see, fostering a mindset of inquiry.
• 😀 'It reminds me of' allows children to make connections between what they observe and things they’ve experienced before.
• 😀 The 'I think maybe' prompt encourages children to form explanations based on their observations, promoting scientific thinking.
• 😀 The activity can be adapted for indoor use by observing household objects or turning down the sound on nature documentaries to encourage reflection.
• 😀 The prompts can also be used to explore and discuss feelings and thoughts, especially in challenging times like the COVID-19 pandemic.
• 😀 The video includes real-life examples of Michelle and her children using the prompts to explore moss and flowers, demonstrating how to implement the activity.
• 😀 Parents and educators can use the linked parent guide and video for a deeper dive into the outdoor education curriculum.

Q & A

What is the main activity introduced in the script?

The main activity introduced is the 'I notice, I wonder, it reminds me of, I think maybe' routine, which encourages children to engage with the natural world by making observations, asking questions, making connections, and forming explanations.

How does the 'I notice, I wonder, it reminds me of, I think maybe' routine work?

The routine consists of four key sentence starters: 'I notice' for observations, 'I wonder' for questions, 'It reminds me of' for making connections, and 'I think maybe' for making explanations. These steps encourage curiosity and help children engage deeply with their surroundings.

What is the purpose of the 'I wonder' statement in the routine?

'I wonder' helps children practice asking questions, stimulating their curiosity about the object they are exploring. It encourages them to think more deeply and inquire about the object or phenomenon.

Why is it beneficial to use the 'I think maybe' statement in the routine?

'I think maybe' helps children learn how to make explanations based on their observations, developing their critical thinking and scientific reasoning skills.

Can the 'I notice, I wonder, it reminds me of, I think maybe' routine be adapted for indoor activities?

Yes, the routine can be adapted for indoor activities. For example, you can explore natural objects inside the house or even use nature shows by muting the sound and having children practice the routine while observing the video.

How does the script suggest adapting the routine to address children's feelings and thoughts?

The script suggests using the routine to observe and reflect on emotions and thoughts, particularly during challenging times like the COVID-19 crisis, allowing children to express and analyze their feelings.

What type of natural objects does the script suggest using during the outdoor exploration?

The script mentions using natural objects like moss and flowers, encouraging children to make observations about these objects during walks or outdoor exploration.

What did the speaker do with their children during the activity?

The speaker and their children explored moss outside their home, using the 'I notice' and 'I wonder' statements to engage with their surroundings and deepen their understanding.

How does the script suggest supporting children in making scientific observations?

By encouraging children to use the 'I notice' statements to make detailed observations and the 'I wonder' statements to ask open-ended questions, children can practice scientific thinking and exploration.

What is the ultimate goal of using the 'I notice, I wonder, it reminds me of, I think maybe' routine in education?

The goal is to foster a mindset of curiosity, promote active engagement with nature, and help children develop language skills to express observations, make connections, and think critically about their environment.