Naturally Teaching

An elementary teacher science blog

Podcast

The Naturally Teaching Elementary podcast is designed to help elementary teachers and homeschool parents while they are teaching science, integrating science with literacy, and using the outdoors to get place-based, real-world experiences for teaching elementary school.

Naturally Teaching Elementary is a podcast designed for elementary teachers and homeschool educators who are passionate about teaching elementary aged children with authentic and place-based learning opportunities, nurturing the whole child and providing well-rounded education.

Join me each week as we explore practical strategies for teaching science in elementary school, discover the power of integrating science with literacy through captivating picture books, and uncover the magic of outdoor education and its link in teaching elementary aged children.

Check out the latest episode

61. Illumination and Weather: 1st and 4th Grade NGSS Activities Naturally Teaching Elementary: A Podcast for Teachers and Homeschool Families

Let's continue to take advantage of the variable weather March brings and focus on weather and illumination in connection to 1st and 4th grade NGSS. 1st and 4th grade standards have light and its role in seeing objects in common and weather can help us investigate that concept.Press play to hear descriptions for an activity where 1st graders match colors to natural objects in different weather conditions and an opportunity where 4th graders take pictures of nature in different amounts of natural light, both aligned with Next Generation Science Standards.During the episode I share the standard that inspired the activity, how the activity relates to weather and illumination, and a description of how to implement the activity with your learners. And make sure to listen all the way through the episode; you may find yourself inspired to adapt one of these activities or use an activity for a different grade level.Next Generation Science Standards addressed in this episode:1-PS4-2: Make observations to construct an evidence-based account that objects in darkness can be seen only when illuminated4-PS4-2: Develop a model to describe that light reflecting from objects entering the eye allows objects to be seenResources mentioned 💚Episode 60: Elementary Study About Weather: Kindergarten and 3rd Grade NGSS ActivitiesEpisode 6: 5 Outdoor Education Safety Tips for Teaching OutsideMoon Phases and Light Mini Unit for 1st Grade (ELA and Science Activities)Naturally Teaching Activity IndexShow Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode61🗂 Find activities easily with the Naturally Teaching Activity Index🛒 TpT Shop: Naturally Teaching💚 Get more tips and tricks on the website: NaturallyTeaching.com📸 Follow along on Instagram: @naturally.teaching💻 Check us out on Facebook: @naturally.teaching
  1. 61. Illumination and Weather: 1st and 4th Grade NGSS Activities
  2. 60. Elementary Study About Weather: Kindergarten and 3rd Grade NGSS Activities
  3. 59. 7 Books About Weather for Elementary-Aged Students
  4. 58. Winter Animals and Water: 2nd and 5th Grade NGSS Activities
  5. 57. Winter Animals and Hibernation: 1st and 4th Grade NGSS Activities

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Meet your guide

Teaching science can be impactful for your students if you gain confidence in methods to help you teach it.

My name is Victoria Zablocki and I’m a former elementary educator turned outdoor educator with 10 years of experience integrating outdoor education into science learning. During my decade in the field, I coached teachers in public schools on how to accomplish their curricular goals in science with authentic and place-based experiences.

I’m continuing my coaching journey through this podcast by giving you confidence for teaching elementary-aged children in fun, engaging, and authentic ways. Each Monday I release a new episode that introduces effective science teaching methods, ways to integrate science and ELA, tips and tricks to leverage outdoor education, and ideas for math, art, and more. 

Want to learn more? Check out my philosophy and see if we’re a good fit.

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