Thinking, Talking, Exploring

As we began to tackle our new unit, the grade two girls tuned-in with a pre-assessment task. This activity directed their background knowledge and to began to challenge their understanding of what exactly is the form and function of a transportation system. Working in their table groups, each group had several cards with various objects on them. The students were asked to decide if each card was part of transportation system or not. Some were quite obvious, but others were more difficult to discern. As they discussed in their groups, conversations developed about the nature of transportation systems. 

 What is a transportation system? What is not?

Some girls speculated a transportation system had wheels, others disagreed. Some said that transportation systems carried objects, while others stated that transportation systems are things that move. If they were unsure of a card, they were encouraged to post their questions on the wonder wall.

Next Steps

Students enjoyed taking part in a silent debate. The question was, "Is this part of a transportation system?" They could ask questions, agree, disagree with comments and add their own thoughts to the examples around the room. They had to do this without talking to that all the conversations were "captured" on paper. Where there were disagreements, Ms. Ciara asked, "How can we find out?" Students had several answers! 2B is currently investigating further to come with with criteria for what defines a transportation system.