We have grown to know and respect the quality of BEST Resources. New ‘Water Cycle’ activities have just landed in the STEM Learning resources area. There is a brilliant suite of activities for use with Y4 (aged 7/8) pupils learning about the Water Cycle.
Diagnostic questions generate discussion, engaging children and informing teachers as to the knowledge/understanding of pupils at that time. Each contains a clear resource sheet for use with pupils- illustrating the concept being learned/taught. There is an overview illustrating the key focus, outcomes, question type used and key words- making it so helpful for teachers to use.
Expected misconceptions are highlighted and addressed- again supporting educators about what to look out for relating to any pupil confusion; also, ways to respond to these are provided, to support teaching of this unit of work. In addition, teacher guidance for use includes what equipment is required- this is key to allow valuable ‘hands-on’ practise and subsequent internalisation: learning by doing.
All of the learning concepts are research informed/ sited, and professionally curated by Nicky Waller (CIEC) and Helen Harden of the University of York Science Education Group (UYSEG). There are full explanations of what to expect and how to respond so to develop knowledge from each pupil starting point – pedagogy guidance to support accurate understanding by pupils.
Encouraging talk for learning, which is the focus within these activities, is excellent for developing understanding and supporting internalisation, through facilitating class discussion in pairs/small peer groups. Adaptive teaching is considered throughout the resources- supporting teachers, with ideas such as reading the task to the group so all pupils can access. It is so important to teach concepts without unnecessary barriers being in place.
This quality suite of resources/activities, developed by CIEC and Horners Institute, are a must use in the classroom, and are highly recommended as formative and active assessment.