What is Phenomenon Based Science? 5 Easy Elementary Examples

By exploring real-world phenomena, students can develop a sense of curiosity and an appreciation for the environment. With an open mind and creative spirit, teachers can help instill these core principles into their students while having fun in the process!

What is phenomenon based science?

Phenomenon-based science in the elementary classroom is a great way to introduce kids to science in a meaningful way that encourages them to think critically and explore their natural world. Through hands-on learning activities, children can build an understanding of scientific concepts that will last them a lifetime.

It’s no wonder that phenomenon-based science has become an increasingly popular approach to teaching in elementary classrooms. By engaging students in exploratory activities, teachers can help young minds make connections between scientific concepts and the real world, inspiring a deeper understanding of science. Studying phenomena also encourages students to think outside the box and develop innovative ways of looking at everyday occurrences. Students have the opportunity to dive into any prior knowledge they may have and apply that thinking to the phenomenon being presented. It is through this type of learning that children will gain meaningful knowledge that will follow them into adulthood. Phenomenon-based science in the elementary classroom makes learning come alive and prepares students for a successful future.

5 Great Examples of Phenomenon Based Science

1. Plant Adaptations. Students can explore the various ways plants change and evolve to better survive in their environments through activities, observations, and discussion.
2. Animal Adaptations. Students are able to use phenomenon based science to look at examples of characteristics animals have that help them survive easier in their environments. They can use hands on activities and open discussion to learn about this phenomenon as a class.
3. Weather changes. Observing the weather as a natural phenomenon allows students to make observations and predictions on the science behind what really goes on. Students can expand on existing knowledge, while looking at examples of weather events they have not witnessed in an effort to reach a scientific explanation using their own thoughts.
4. Chemical Reactions. Phenomenon based science can be applied to chemical reactions through the process of allowing students to observe these reactions, experiment with them safely, and apply their predictions and knowledge to finding an explantation. Chemical reactions can also be presented as short videos or photo series to make this concept more accessible for elementary students.
5. Land Forms. Because most students have some experience observing or seeing different land forms, they have the chance to expand on their prior knowledge through exploration and activities to construct an explanation of the science behind this phenomenon.

Looking for some ready-made phenomena based science units? Here you go!

By encouraging creativity and open discussion, phenomenon based science provides students with a unique opportunity to learn and grow both inside and outside of the classroom. Ultimately, phenomenon-based science offers students a chance to make connections between real world occurrences and scientific concepts, inspiring an appreciation for learning that will remain with them for years to come.

By engaging students in phenomenon based science, teachers can help foster an appreciation for their surroundings while inspiring a deeper understanding of scientific concepts. Through hands-on learning activities, students are encouraged to explore their natural world and make sense of their observations. This type of exploration provides children with an exciting opportunity to use their own thinking and prior knowledge to explain everyday occurrences. With phenomenon based science in the elementary classroom, learning really is full of surprises!

For teachers looking to make learning come alive in the elementary classroom, phenomenon-based science is an excellent way to engage kids and instill core principles that will last a lifetime. So what are you waiting for? Let’s get exploring!

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