Connecting with the Environment using our Senses (LS-MT-307)
This learning scenario by Ayrton Curmi focuses on English Oracy, Reading and Writing.
In this learning scenario, the students will use their five senses to connect with the environment. They will have the opportunity to discuss topics such as deforestation, endangered species and how human beings are affecting the environment around us.
This is a creative writing learning scenario where students will be able to work collaboratively towards a common goal. This learning scenario shall be delivered outside the school premises to make it easier for the students to feel the connection with the environment, in order to get creative and imaginative in their writing. They will also have the opportunity to self-assess and peer-assess each other’s work.
Using our senses to connect with the environment
Students shall be given the opportunity to visit a local garden. They will be divided in groups and each group will be given a ‘Senses worksheet’ to fill in.
‘I see’
- Students will be given a few minutes to observe the environment around them. They will be asked to notice aspects which sometimes we tend to ignore.
‘I hear’
- Students will be asked to close their eyes for two minutes and try to listen to different noises such as birds, cars, distant voices amongst others.
‘I touch/feel’
- Students will be presented with a senses box. This box will consist of several items we usually find in nature such as flowers, fruits, leaves and twigs. The box will have a small aperture and each student should try to touch these items and describe what they are feeling.
‘I smell’
- Students will take out the items from the senses box and they smell each item while describing their experience.
‘I taste’
- Students will be given a fruit to eat. Each group will be given a different fruit. After eating their fruit they should write some points on its taste. Students can also point out some benefits of healthy eating.
Implementation
This learning scenario promotes various 21st-century skills such as:
- Critical thinking: the students discover facts for themselves.
- Creativity and Collaboration: the students learn how to be creative to solve a problem, working constructively together to achieve a common goal.
- Communication: the students need to discuss and express their thoughts in a way that others can understand.
- Curiosity, wonder and questioning: the hands-on activities in this Learning Scenario give students a reason to wonder, think critically, ask questions, observe, assess information and work constructively with each other.
Assessment for Learning
During this learning scenario, various assessment for learning strategies were used. A variety of questioning techniques were adopted throughout this learning scenario. Students were given a writing checklist for self-assessment. After their writing they were given the opportunity to peer-assess each other’s work. After the lesson, each student was given an ‘Exit Ticket’. They had to answer three questions;
- One thing I learned today.
- One thing I found interesting today.
- One question I still have.
Would you like to know more about this learning scenario? You can download it below:
Did you find this learning scenario interesting? You might also like:
- Enjoying the Moment through our Five Senses created by Christabelle Scerri
- Food Tests created by Biljana Ilieva
- International Tea Party created by Judit Benedek
The featured image used to illustrate this article has been found on Europeana Collections and belongs to the public domain.