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MsCottonsCorner

Are your students owning science vocabulary, or just memorizing it?

Published about 2 months ago • 1 min read

Hey Reader,

Last week in Tuesday Tips, I shared a simple prompt I use when I want students to take their thinking a little deeper:

“Say more about that.”

I especially love this strategy during science discussions.

For example:

Teacher: If an ice cube melts, does it still weigh the same?

Student: Yes, the liquid weighs the same as the ice cube.

Teacher: Say more about that.

Of course, that answer is correct, but if you follow up, you might learn whether the student understands conservation of matter or not. And that's worth a few more seconds of discussion.

But there’s something students need before they can have those deeper conversations:

They need the vocabulary.

Knowing the definition of solid or physical property is one thing. Being able to use those words to explain your thinking is another.

That’s one reason I created these Matter Vocabulary Activities. I wanted students to have multiple opportunities to see, recognize, practice, and use essential Matter vocabulary—not simply copy a definition and move on.

The activities give students different ways to work with the same important science words, including vocabulary games, a word search, crossword puzzles, and a Matter Word Wall.

If you’re teaching Matter this year, you can take a look here:

​Matter Vocabulary Activities​

I hope these activities make it a little easier to give your students the repeated vocabulary practice they need—and, eventually, the language they need to “say more about that.”

Happy teaching!

Susan

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600 1st Ave, Ste 330 PMB 92768, Seattle, WA 98104-2246
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MsCottonsCorner

Resources and insights to grow your teaching.

I'm a teacher-author, continual learner and mom of two. I create resources for K-5 classrooms including instructional videos, classroom resources and teaching tips. You can find me on TPT, YouTube, MsCottonsCorner.com and your favorite Socials. See you there!

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