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Pre-k Grade  Project 4 weeks

Shape-Shifting H2O Adventure

Lindsay N
Self Directed Learning
Academic Mindset
Critical Thinking & Problem Solving
Content Expertise
Effective Communication
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Purpose

Guiding Question: Does water have shape? -How does water move and change in different places and situations? -The purpose of this learning experience is to engage pre-k students in hands-on exploration of water's properties, encouraging them to observe, experiment, and communicate their findings. Through interactive activities and community involvement, students will develop critical thinking, self-directed learning, and effective communication skills. This project aims to foster a sense of curiosity and belonging while helping students understand the dynamic nature of water in their everyday environments.

Learning goals

Students will explore and understand the concept that water takes the shape of its container and can change forms. They will develop skills in observation, prediction, and communication as they engage in hands-on water experiments. Through collaborative activities and reflection, students will build their self-directed learning abilities and critical thinking skills, while gaining a sense of belonging and connection to their community.
Competencies
  • Self Directed Learning - Students use teacher and peer feedback and self-reflection to monitor and direct their own learning while building self knowledge both in and out of the classroom.
  • Academic Mindset - Students establish a sense of place, identity, and belonging to increase self-efficacy while engaging in critical reflection and action.
  • Critical Thinking & Problem Solving - Students consider a variety of innovative approaches to address and understand complex questions that are authentic and important to their communities.
  • Content Expertise - Students develop key competencies, skills, and dispositions with ample opportunities to apply knowledge and engage in work that matters to them.
  • Effective Communication - Students practice listening to understand, communicating with empathy, and share their learning through exhibiting, presenting and reflecting on their work.

Products

Students will collaboratively design and build a miniature water park using recycled materials, demonstrating their understanding of water flow and movement. Each student will contribute a page to a class storybook, illustrating and describing a unique way they observed water taking shape or moving. Additionally, students will maintain a personal 'Water Journal,' documenting their daily water exploration experiences with drawings and stickers, which they will share during the 'Water Wonderland Festival' and 'Water Adventure Day.' Students will invite their Buddy class to share the water park project.

Launch

Kick off the learning experience with a 'Water Play Exploration Day,' where students engage in interactive games and experiments to observe water's ability to move and change shape. Set up various stations with different shaped containers, ramps, and tubes to allow students to pour, touch, and manipulate water, fostering curiosity and excitement. Encourage students to use descriptive language to share their observations, setting the stage for deeper exploration throughout the project.

Exhibition

Students will invite their Buddy class to share the water park project. Host a 'Water Wonderland Festival' where students showcase their miniature water parks made from recycled materials, demonstrating water flow and movement. Invite families and community members to engage in interactive water experiments and games led by the students. Additionally, organize a 'Water Adventure Day' where students guide visitors through the outdoor water play area, presenting their experiments and sharing insights from their water journals.