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

80. What Butterflies Eat: Interactive Activities for 2nd and 5th Graders Naturally Teaching Elementary: A Podcast for Teachers and Homeschool Families

It's summer and butterflies are in the air! Even though you likely don't have learners with you for a bit, I've got some interactive activities to share with you today to investigate what butterflies eat and how that relates to pollination and food chains.Press play to hear descriptions for a butterfly food snack for 2nd graders and participating in the Monarch Butterflies Journey North project with 5th graders, both aligned with Next Generation Science Standards.During the episode I share the standard that inspired the activity, how the activity relates to what butterflies eat, 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:2-LS2-2: Develop a simple model that mimics the function of an animal in dispersing seeds or pollinating plants.5-PS3-1: Use models to describe that energy in animals’ food (used for body repair, growth, motion, and to maintain body warmth) was once energy from the sun.5-ESS3-1: Obtain and combine information about ways individual communities use science ideas to protect the Earth’s resources and environment.Resources mentioned 💚Episode 79: Are Butterflies Insects? Investigation Activities for 1st and 4th GradersEpisode 6: 5 Outdoor Education Safety Tips for Teaching OutsideEpisode 15: 6 Citizen Science Projects for Elementary Students and TeachersJourney North registration pageNaturally Teaching Activity IndexShow Notes: https://naturallyteaching.com/episode80🗂 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. 80. What Butterflies Eat: Interactive Activities for 2nd and 5th Graders
  2. 79. Are Butterflies Insects? Investigation Activities for 1st and 4th Graders
  3. 78. Butterflies with Orange and Other Adaptations for Kindergarten and 3rd Grade
  4. 77. 6 Butterfly Books to Introduce Characteristics, Adaptations, and Life Cycles
  5. 76. Teaching with Photographs: 6 Research-Based Benefits to Elementary Learners

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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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