• These cards can be used in two different ways: 1) Pass out one card to each student, and have them find the other students who belong in their group. 2) Mix up the cards and have students work in small groups to sort the characteristics into the appropriate groups. Additional examples for this strategy include:
o simple machines and examples of each
o insect orders and characteristics of each
o ecosystems with plants and animals that live in each
Word lists/word banks
Many teachers use word walls to provide visual clues to words introduced in class. It’s also important for teachers and students to use the words as much as possible. Students can look at the written words as teachers use them during class discussions, and teachers should encourage students to use the language of science in their verbal and written communication. Work with students to group words by their features: