Constructing Knowledge Through Curiosity-Driven STEM Learning
Live Oak’s classrooms are always places where curiosity thrives, paving the way for engaging learning through experimentation. Fourth and fifth graders exercised their STEM muscle recently by participating in labs that used their curiosity as fuel to help construct new layers of knowledge.
Fourth graders opened up the year by wondering, “What do scientists do?” They found out in their Take Apart Project in the ChangeMaker Lab, acting like scientists by finding new ways to examine familiar objects, wondering, predicting, hypothesizing, and seeking deeper understanding. As they dismantled objects like keyboards, remote controls, and video game controllers, fourth graders came away with a more complete sense of how small parts help contribute to big systems. Afterwards they posed questions to their classmates around how they thought each part worked and what function it served on the objects. In sharing curiosities and gathering reflection and insight from their fellow scientists, fourth graders learned that simple everyday objects contain a wealth of knowledge that speaks to the broader way that complex systems work.
Meanwhile, fifth grade scientists tapped into their previous knowledge and experience in their introductory Chemical Reactions & Properties of Matter unit as they curiously predicted what would happen when certain materials are mixed with acids. In the activity, Acid Test, students discovered two ways to detect acids: they used baking soda, which fizzes when mixed with acids, or a special liquid that changed color when mixed with acids. Then, students used those methods to identify common foods that are acidic. Anchored in their year-long science and math essential question, "How can understanding and expressing multiple ways to solve problems help me make better sense of my world?" fifth graders understood that science–like life–often involves trial and error, learning from mistakes, and using experiential observations to enhance knowledge.
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