The Flipped Classroom

Here is an introductory lesson on basic earth science concepts such as the earth, sun, moon and stars. It also introduces the concepts of migration, gravity and photosynthesis. This lesson lends itself to a flipped classroom because it introduces young children to these concepts using children’s literature and musical instruments.

First, I would videotape myself reading On the Day You Were Born. It is a children’s picture book written and illustrated by Debra Frasier. In the first read through, I would read and show the illustrations in a simple, straightforward fashion. 

I would also produce a slideshow, using illustrations from the book that introduces children to basic earth science concepts. I would choose the concepts of migration, gravity and photosynthesis. Students would be instructed to watch the video and slideshow at home and take notes as needed. This allows students to rewatch parts they need to hear again.

They next day, in class, I would briefly review the book and hold a group discussion about both the video and slideshow. This would immediately be followed by an activity involving percussive musical instruments.

Ahead of time, for Intermediate Grades, I would display on table a selection of percussive musical instruments such as a cabasa, a gathering drum, sand blocks, tambourines, steel triangles, hand bells, egg shakers, cymbals, maracas, a rain maker, castanets, rhythm sticks and a glockenspiel. For Primary Grades, I would limit the selection to 10 percussive instruments that students could choose from hidden in a treasure chest. Younger students would come, one at a time, and select an instrument of their choice. The rest of the instruments would remain hidden from sight.

The classroom activity would include having students choose a musical instrument that they think best represents the sound of these new earth science concepts. What do they think the earth, sun, moon and stars sound like? What would migration, gravity and photosynthesis look like? As each student chooses their musical instrument, a brief explanation would be given on how to best play that instrument.

Once all seven students have chosen their musical instruments, I would reread the book as a class, accompanied by the musical sounds of the earth science concepts (a total of seven concepts). I would prompt students as to the appropriate time they would play their particular instrument. I would also pass out an egg shaker to all the remaining classroom students, so that they can participate at the end of the book, where it talks about the singing people, welcoming the child to the green, spinning world.