Finding Science in Fiction | Online

There is a lot of pressure in the elementary class to focus only on reading and math to the exclusion of science. This class will focus on finding science connections in the adopted reading curriculums. Participants will be asked to bring anthologies and novels they are teaching in their class which will be used as the cornerstone of our discussions. As a group we will identify scientific concepts related to the story and share lessons and activities which can be used to enhance the language arts experience: vocabulary, reading comprehension, and writing processes. This will be an interactive class, so be prepared to participate and share.

Examples:

– “Fever 1793”, Anderson – historical fiction, disease epidemic – microbiology, cells, germs

– “Flush”, Hiaasen – mystery, water pollution – oceanic ecosystems, water cycle, water quality

– “Busy, Busy Town” Scary – interactions in an urban environment – engineering of buildings, physics of walking and moving, physics of different vehicles

– “Mother Goose Nursery Rhymes” Humpty Dumpty – gravity, Mary, Mary Quite Contrary – plant growth cycle, Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star – constellations.

This class is part of the Bite-size Learning Series. Once you’ve attended and fully participated in 7.5 hours of class time in the Learning Series and completed the coursework, you can earn a credit from ISU for free.