Surprise Bag

Surprise and curiosity stimulate the brain.  We are naturally motivated to solve mysteries.

When you use the surprise bag to introduce a lesson, you capitalize upon this moment of excitement and use it to entice students to ask deductive questions.

Instruct students to ask you about clues that will help them determine what is in the bag.

Share examples and non-examples of appropriate questions.  Example, "Is it a living thing?"  Non-example, "Is it a cupcake?"  Continue to practice identifying examples and non-examples until students understand the concept.

Students may want to name the object.   Redirect them to ask questions that help them describe the object.

Lead students to deduce the name of the object.  The object will provide a concrete example of a concept from the text.

Use this strategy to inspire students to think deeply about a concept BEFORE a unit begins.

Find more resources for the Surprise Bag.

Chicago Bound!: Lincoln Park Zoo

Chicago Bound!: Lincoln Park Zoo: On our last day in Chicago, the students had the chance to visit the Lincoln Park Zoo!

N-F First Grade - Mrs. Hess: Super Scientist K.J.

N-F First Grade - Mrs. Hess: Super Scientist K.J.: Super Scientist K.J. showed us how to make a lava lamp using Alka-Seltzer to SUSPEND colored water in vegetable oil.

Wow!  This is neat!  I love how how his looks.  Density can be beautiful!