Incorporating STEM in Program Planning

Preschool Lesson Plans

STEM Lesson Plans

Summer Lesson Plans

How Do Whales Stay Warm?

Lesson Plan:

​Activity:

How Do Whales Stay Warm?

Lesson plan developed by Aurora Tollestrup, BS Ed

Age Group:

Preschool

* Lesson plan objective and assessment can be adapted to use this activity with school-age children.

Objectives:  

Children will:

• test the knowledge of thermoregulation as it pertains to arctic animals such as whales.

CDA Competency Standard:   

II.5.2a

• Materials and equipment stimulate children’s thinking and problem-solving.
  • ​​a)    Materials and equipment provide a variety of opportunities for cognitive development.

How do whales stay warm? Whale Blubber

Materials: 

• shortening
• two gallon sized zip top bags
• duct tape
• a spoon
• a bowl filled with water and ice cubes

Anticipatory Set:

• Ask children how whales and other arctic animals keep warm in the frigid regions where they live.
  
• Give them a chance to guess or discuss.
  
• Explain to the children that blubber, or fat, keeps whales and other animals insulated by using something called thermoregulation (keeping heat in their bodies, and not out).
  
• Fat is a fantastic insulator that keeps the icy cold water from freezing the animals who live in the arctic regions of the world.

Procedure: 

• Fill one bag with lots shortening.
• Put the other zip top bag inside the shortening bag and duct tape the side openings closed (see picture).
• Place the shortening bags in the ice water bowl and have the children take turns putting their hands into the inner bag. 

Assessment: 

• Observe and record the children’s reactions and understanding of the insulation and thermoregulation that fat (shortening) gives arctic animals.

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Benefits of STEM

STEM can benefit students of all ages. One of the most beneficial aspects of STEM instruction is the emphasis on real-world applications. This emphasis benefits children in giving them awareness of the world around them and its processes. STEM instruction helps children to understand the processes in the world and how they may become a part of them.

With STEM curriculum comes much more than just incorporating more science, technology, engineering, and math lessons. STEM is also a process in which identifying, problem solving, critical thinking, and hypothesizing all come in to play. STEM curriculum teaches children to use the separate elements of STEM along with prior knowledge to create a cohesive unit in which to build even further knowledge.

Social skills and community relationships are another benefit of STEM curriculum. Many STEM lessons or activities will involve groups, pairs, or community members, giving children a platform for learning cooperatively through social interactions. Many early childhood classrooms focus on social skills and relationships in their existing curriculum and routines, and STEM will help reinforce those skills.

How to include science in your early childhood program:

• Include a science center area in your classroom. Include a basket of magnifying glasses, small paint brushes, small sheets of paper and pencils on a table with leaves, rocks, pinecones, a bird’s nest and more items for children to explore.
• Encourage scientific exploration on the playground, in the classroom, and on field trips.
• Give children a range of interests to explore to expand their knowledge.
• Allow for student-led learning.