Second Grade AIM
Ancient China
Today in AIM
Today our newspaper owners had to make the important decision of where to build their newspaper factory in ancient China. I had a blank map of China on the screen for each student to use to pick their ideal spot. Once that was done we all giggled as I asked them WHAT information they should have before they ever go about selecting a location on a map (landforms being #1). I shared with them that some have actually placed their factory on either a mountain range, desert or river! I provided each student with a graphic organizer with a blank map of China in the middle so they could take notes, label landforms on the map etc., as they researched about China’s major landforms. It was so funny to see them slowly discover that their selected location was not ideal! Next week we will have our first class debate and through discussion decide on our new factory locations.
During the second part of our AIM time we worked with one of my favorite math programs called Hands on Equations. This is a really engaging way to start building those thinking skills needed for algebra. We had started it in first grade (with Castle) and went back to it as second graders to apply all of our new math skills to answering the questions. It was fun to hear them talk about how much more they understand now!