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The Elements of Learning
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March 6, 2023The Periodic Table of Elements has come alive at Butler Catholic School! Thanks to the Nancy Larson Science series adopted by BCS during the 2021-22 school year, students are more engaged than ever when it comes classroom science lessons.
Built on the belief that every student is a scientist and every scientist a student, the series takes traditional lessons a step further through challenging, hands-on learning.
Recently, BCS faculty member Jennifer Friel took the opportunity to help fifth and sixth grade students develop a deeper understanding of elements by having them work together to build a model Periodic Table. Each student was responsible for creating their ‘element’ from a cereal or Kleenex box.
“They did a class report and did a presentation of their element,” Friel said.
After seeing the positive impact Nancy Larson Science has on older students, BCS is looking for ways to incorporate similar lessons in younger grades. A continuous approach to teaching—particularly in areas of science—throughout grade levels helps students stay on track and out-perform national and state academic averages.
“Every year they learn a little bit more,” Friel said. “It builds.”
While fifth and sixth graders were working on and presenting their model elements, third graders in Maria Cosme’s class got to see elements at work in everyday life. During a special experiment, Cosme lit a marshmallow on fire to demonstrate chemical composition and reactions.
Though several grades are involved with the Nancy Larson programming, teachers take the time to adjust lessons to learning levels in order to help students stay engaged throughout the scientific learning process.
“They have different levels of intensity and different things to focus on,” Friel explained. “It’s great!”
The model elements will be on display for the staff and students to see in coming weeks. Visit the BCS Facebook page to watch the third grade marshmallow experiment and keep up with BCS activities!
