Family Science Learning Overview
In this learning activity, you will have a family discussion about what you think plants and animals, including humans, need to live healthy lives. Talk too about what your family needs to live a healthy life. You can use this information during a family wondering walk (activity LE 2.B).
Overview
Talk as a family about what plants and animals, including humans, need to live a healthy life. Take notes as you share your ideas. This will help you keep track of what you talked about, what you learned, and what you wondered.
Use the activity sheet provided or make your own activity sheet by copying the charts onto a blank sheet of paper.
- Start by thinking about a plant or animal that lives around your home or neighborhood. What do they need to live healthy lives? Draw or write down your ideas.
- Now think about your family. What do you need to live a healthy life? Again, draw or write down your ideas.
What Can You Do To Support Learning?
- Encourage family members to share whatever they are thinking about. In this activity, your family should share a lot of ideas, and not come up with one “right” answer.
- Ask family members to build on their ideas. This is important so you can have a shared understanding of what you are talking about. You can model this by sharing and elaborating on your ideas. You can also ask for more information with the following prompts:
- Can you tell me more about that?
- What else do you think?
- How do you know that? Or, Where did you learn that?
- What do you think [grandparent, cousin, auntie/uncle] would say?
Activity Sheet
Connecting with Other Families
Pass this activity along to other families you know and invite them to participate in this same activity. Afterward, text, call or videochat with them, or even send a letter to share what you found. You can ask them what plants and animals are in their area and compare and contrast with what you found.
Connect to Other Activities
Learning in Places Frameworks to Consider
- Socioecological Deliberation and Decision-Making
- Thinking across Scales
- Relationships