May 8, 2020
We are honored to recognize Kimm Ward, 4th Grade Teacher at New Highland Academy in Oakland, as a 2020 Science Super Star!
Kimm reflected on the impact of leading her students in exploring the phenomena of weathering, erosion, and the deposition of land.
To create a physical experience for her students, Kimm helped them design stream tables, so they could observe the effects through a small model. As a way to incorporate language arts, she assigned them to write a science-based narrative to explain how sand gets on the beach. Her students got creative with the task, as some took the perspective of a weathered rock, and others imagined being the scientist discovering the phenomena.
Kimm had her classroom collect soil from their own school playground, to help illustrate that science is not some far-away unattainable process; discoveries can be made in their immediate world.
She uses science as a tool to help her ELD students. Her students are regularly assigned close reading with science texts, and are guided by a focus on content vocabulary with the help of an easy-access wall chart.
Engaging science does not always need a multitude of complicated materials. For example, Kimm shared that often uses their reading assignments as a jumping point for engaging in-class discussions. When students engage in these discussions, she uses questions to provoke critical thinking. Students share their ideas, and cite theri evidence, as they discuss the impact of global warming on weather patterns.
Kimm works to create an environment where science is not limited to just an hour lesson once a week, but rather is interwoven as an over-encompassing feature in her students’ lives. To explore the connections between science concepts and students’ lives, Kimm took her class to a farm sanctuary to learn about animals. Her school has a school garden in which her class participates in bi-weekly garden/health programs.
By helping students see that science is a part of their everyday lives, Kimm ensures her students are better equipped to make meaning out of their lessons. Her favorite strategies include:
“Hands-on activities that connect to students’ reality. … Several students who have difficulties with focusing in other subjects are able to fully engage with hands-on activities.”