Science and Social Studies integrated unit for kindergarten released

January 6, 2023

Central Rivers AEA Consultants for Science, Chelsie Byram and Mandie Sanderman, have publicly released the kindergarten integrated unit, “How does a dog park change a community?” Central Rivers AEA GetMedia has two, non-consumable materials kits available for checkout to support teachers in implementing the unit. Some important details about the integrated unit:

  • The four- to five-week unit includes six of the 13 kindergarten science standards and seven of the 19 social studies standards.
  • It incorporates 17 of the 32 English Language Arts (ELA) standards and six of the 22 math standards.
  • 21st Century Skills standards are also included in the areas of civic literacy, employability skills, financial literacy, health and technology literacy.
  • This unit was piloted this fall by kindergarten teachers from a variety of CRAEA districts including Grinnell-Newburg, Hampton-Dumont, Nashua-Plainfield, North Iowa, St. Ansgar, St. Paul’s Lutheran School (Waverly), South Hardin and Wapsie Valley.

You can find links to both the kit and the Google folder of the unit on the informational flyer.

Comments from pilot teachers include:

  • “The engagement from the students is awesome! They have loved the choice and opportunities this unit has given them so far!”
  • “Student engagement is higher because of all the hands-on aspects (coloring on the maps, using thermometers, etc).”
  • “The excitement from the kids when I tell them it is time for science each day is fantastic. It has absolutely brought my class closer together and helped them to work as a team. They are beginning to express themselves better and talk like scientists. They are getting along and excepting each other’s thoughts and ideas. They are really buying into it! When I said we only had 3 lessons left they said, “awwww!” I think that the lessons all continue to be age appropriate and just the right length.”
  • “The kids really felt like this was their project by the end. They felt like they were a part of something important. I saw the confidence blooming in some students during small group discussions. The kids who like to think outside the box were in heaven! I really do feel like this project helped my class work as a team and be accepting of others’ opinions.”

This kindergarten unit will be housed on the webpage along with the 3rd-grade integrated unit released last year. Please reach out to Mandie Sanderman or Chelsie Byram, Consultants for Science, with questions.