Thursday, 27 November 2014

Interactive Science Journals

I am loving all the amazing interactive journals that I have been seeing all over the blog world. Unfortunately, I have never really had enough time in the day to be able to use the math or ELA journals. Our guided reading, writing, and math times are usually full to the brink that there isn't enough time to add in anything else! I decided that the one time during the day that I would be able to incorporate interactive journals is during Science!


In Manitoba, our Science curriculum is divided into four clusters. They are:

1. Characteristics and Needs of Living Things
2. The Senses
3. Characteristics of Objects and Materials
4. Daily and Seasonal Changes

I have designed four units that cover every outcome in these clusters. Every outcome has one lesson and interactive journal page (and sometimes there are two different lessons for each outcome). Even though these units are designed with the Manitoba Science curriulum in mind, the lesson activities and journal pages can be used by anyone in any province or territory or state! If you are studying living and non-living things, this unit is for you!

Each unit is designed the same way. For each outcome in the cluster/unit, there are lesson plan ideas and pictures, lesson materials (for whole group charts, sorts, etc.), and interactive science journal pages. These pages are designed to fit an 8-1/2x10" spiral journal, but you can easily shrink the pages or print two-to-a-page if you are using smaller journals.


So far, only the first unit is up on TpT, but I plan to have the other three units up by the end of December! Take a look at some of the lessons included in this unit...



These are the lessons/outcomes covered in this unit:

1. Unit title page idea (two wording options--"Characteristics and
Needs of Living Things" or just "Living Things")
2. List characteristics of plants, animals, and humans
3. Sort plants, animals, and humans
4. Label the major parts of the human body
5. Sort living and non-living things
6. Compare characteristics of humans and cats
7. Humans are all unique/graph hair colour


8. List different types of plants
9. Use a checklist to determine if objects are living or non-living
10. Compare how living things grow and change
11. Name the needs of living things
12. Describe how to care for a living thing (cat, fish, plant, or cow)
13. Test which sense is the most helpful to humans (science experiment)
14. Name which sense each animal uses to find their food


15. Compare how living things get their food
16. Build a habitat for a living thing (design process)
17. Name a job or hobby that requires knowledge of living things
18. Create a classroom healthy action plan with a weekly checklist
19. Describe how to show respect for a classroom pet or plant
20. Compare fact vs. fiction about plants or animals (using a book or movie
Jack and the Beanstalk or Goldilocks and the Three Bears)


These are the units that will be coming soon... by December 31, 2014! The Five Senses, Objects & Materials, and Weather & Seasons.


I have started a growing a bundle. The bundle will contain all four interactive science units. I have already uploaded the bundle (which currently only has the one unit in it) because there is going to be a HUGE TpT sale on Dec. 1 and 2, where you can save TONS of money! 28% off an already discounted bundle. Woo woo! When they other units are uploaded, you will be able to redownload the bundle at no charge to receive the new units. Click the picture below to check it out.


And of course I can't leave you without a freebie! You can download this "Interactive Science Journal: Introduction to Science" freebie pack from TpT by click the picture below. You will find a journal cover, scientist craft, scientific inquiry ideas, and more!



1 comment:

  1. Wow, this is incredible! I can't wait to get my hands on these (altho I'm doing as you so nicely suggested and waiting for the Cyber Sale). I will be able to use lots this year, but next year I can use ALL of it ALL year long! This looks so well done; I'm sure my kiddos will love it too.

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