In the Classroom: The Roadrunners

In the Roadrunners, we are all scientists. When asked what it means to be a scientist, Roadrunners offer, "it means discovering things," or "doing experiments." But what do all scientists start with? Good questions.

 

A few weeks ago, the Roadrunners instituted Why? Wednesday. On our first Why? Wednesday, we read the beloved Ada Twist, Scientist by Andrea Beaty.

 

Ada’s first word was “Why?” At the end of the story, Roadrunners brainstormed their own “Why?” questions so that we could begin the scientific method of making hypotheses and seeking answers.

 

There was a theme to the Roadrunners’ questions. They wanted to know how people have babies, how dogs have babies, why babies come out of bellies, how babies know when to come out, and more.  

 

We decided to do some research.

 

First, one small group of Roadrunners used the internet to learn about how dogs give birth. We discovered that dogs need access to lots of food and water while giving birth because they need a lot of energy! We learned that puppies are born as part of a litter, not one at a time like humans.

 

Roadrunners were fascinated and started applying the information to their own pets. They couldn’t wait to tell their families!

 

Our next step was to invite a parent expert to come teach us about reproductive anatomy and birth. We have shared our “Why?” questions with her in advance and are excited to give the children an opportunity to have their questions answered by someone knowledgeable on the topic.

 

In the Roadrunners, and at PIC, we value curiosity. When the children have questions, we work together to find answers. Designating time specifically for question-asking is one more way for us as teachers to notice what the children are curious about, and to allow them to drive the learning.  

 

We look forward to more “Why?” Wednesdays and more fascinating questions!  Who knows what Roadrunners will want to learn next?