Infusing Science into Other Classroom Subjects
Science class is engaging and exciting all on its own - but do you ever find yourself short on time to teach all of the concepts you’re supposed to? After all, there’s only so much time in a teacher’s timetable! One solution, while somewhat challenging at times, is to infuse science lessons into other subjects in your classroom. Read on to hear about some of my favourite ways to achieve this!
SCIENCE + ART
Science and art may seem like opposites on the subject spectrum, but they are, in fact, quite suited for each other. It is very possible to take a concept in science that can be visually represented and turn that into an art project! For example, the soil layers in class can be visually represented in a textural painting. Add a few roots and a plant or tree to extend this into a more complex project or tie in concepts such as plant parts or adaptations.
Pick up a copy of my Soil Layers Art Project here!
SCIENCE + MATH
Math and science go hand in hand - that is a well known fact. There can be math in hidden places though, such as in patterns and equations. One interesting idea for linking science into your math lesson is to use a scale such as the MOHs Hardness Scale to look for number patterns and relationships. The absolute hardness of rocks is different from the Mohs Hardness (scale 1-10), meaning each step up on the hardness scale is exponentially stronger than that before it. Looking for number patterns can be much more interesting when there is a real-life example to look at - try it out and see for yourself!
SCIENCE + L.A.
Integrating science into L.A. can be seamless if you can find the right opportunities! Meet various writing outcomes and practice presentation skills by having students create a slideshow on a particular concept as a summative assessment. This could include a research phase, or they could build a slideshow as a “Show What you Know” cumulative assignment. You can also keep things simple with a specific guiding question that the slideshow must answer, or give a broad topic and encourage students to explore it in their slideshow. The possibilities are endless!
If you need some inspiration, check out my Mineral Research Presentation learning task! It contains instructions, a planning page, note-taking space for research, and a rubric for assessment. Or, check out my entire Rocks and Minerals Unit Bundle for all of these suggestions and more!
SCIENCE + SOCIAL STUDIES
When you’re studying the world, there are plenty of ways to bring science into the conversation. There are vast differences in the environment depending on the area you are learning about - each with unique weather, resources, and vegetation. One idea for combining social studies and science is to have students focus on plants in various regions or countries of study. They could research how people use the plants in their local areas, or how plants support the wildlife that inhabit the region. Alternatively, they could look at how the ecosystem is impacted by deforestation, illegal fishing, or pollution. Debates can bring these issues to life and make them feel more real for kids.
If your students are learning about regions of Alberta, pick up one of my Region Organizers for kids to fill in as they go through the unit. This works great as a study guide, too!
Next time you’re stuck looking for a way to tie science into other subjects, I hope this post inspires you!
