Recent Changes

Learning through genuine curiosity is authentic learning.
Studies have shown that when students are curious and learn through discovery retention is improved.
Check out the pages of this website to find lesson plan ideas, research articles and useful websites.
6 Ways to Cultivate Curiosity
Compiled by Holli Turpin

{quote-the-whole-art-of-teaching-is-only-the-art-of-awakening-the-natural-curiosity-of-young-minds-for-the-anatole-france-64963.jpg}
Cultivating Student Curiosity
By Holli Turpin
SOU F'13
Curiosity leads to exploration and discovery, when children are actively involved in discovering answers they retain more.
Intrinsic motivation is tied to genuine curiosity.
Curious students are engaged students eager to learn.
Students who cultivate their curiosity grow into lifelong learners.
Curiosity is natural, all we have to do is tap into this wonderful resource.
Learning through genuine curiosity is authentic learning.
Studies have shown that when students are curious and learn through discovery retention is improved.
6 Ways to Cultivate Curiosity
Compiled by Holli Turpin
"Curiosity connects with learning in two important ways. It is a source of motivation, as these descriptions indicate, and it’s powered by questions"
-Maryellen Weimer, PhD
{insect-behavior.jpg}

http://www.aimsedu.org/
Smithsonian in the Classroom
and art.
Other lessons from Smithsonian in the Classroom can be found at:
http://www.smithsonianeducation.org/educators/lesson_plans/lesson_plans.html
Edutopia
This website has a wide range of useful educational information from recent research articles to techniques videos. If you haven't been to this website yet take some time to explore. Great resource for project based learning ideas and strategies.
http://www.edutopia.org/
TEDed
TED Talks for educators (or education) is a fun resource for innovative ideas. Not all are interesting or worth watching but there are certainly some gems to be found. If you are not subscribed to the TEDed youtube channel think about adding it to your list. (edutopia also has a youtube channel you can subscribe to as well)
youtube channel is at: http://www.youtube.com/user/TEDEducation
TEDed website: http://ed.ted.com/
Teacher Thought
Website with a multitude of blogs covering a wide range of education topics.
http://www.teachthought.com/

Brief Description: In this multi-lesson activity students learn to create an observational field journal. While this lesson provides students with flexibility it also helps them learn to discover and question what they see, write clear descriptions and collect field samples. Living in Oregon, this skill can easily lead to further exploration of school grounds or habitats near the school. Providing students with the skills and ability to create a field journal they can then explore what piques their curiosity as they explore the world around them.
{smithsonian_siyc_fall06.pdf}
Other lessons from Smithsonian in the Classroom can be found at:
http://www.smithsonianeducation.org/educators/lesson_plans/lesson_plans.html

There are many free sample lesson plans and if you sign up for their free newsletter you will receive free lesson plans each month. One feature I like is that you can purchase individual lesson plans for as little as $2 and download them immediately.
http://www.aimsedu.org/
Smithsonian in the Classroom
This website shares a variety of subjects and is especially wonderful for science and art.
Other lessons from Smithsonian in the Classroom can be found at:
http://www.smithsonianeducation.org/educators/lesson_plans/lesson_plans.html