Anchor Charts are a fantastic method for engaging all students during both Science and Social Studies instruction. They are an excellent tool for making ‘thinking visible’ to students. Keep reading to grab a few new ideas the next time you need some Science and Social Studies anchor charts.
The Scientific Method Anchor Chart
The Scientific Method is of utmost importance when teaching Science. The best part about this anchor chart is that once created with the class, it can be utilized throughout the entire year! I recommend laminating this one if possible.
If you are comfortable with free handing the chart, go for it! I use sentence strips when creating it, but it is not necessary. This just helps me keep my spacing even.
I also like sentence strips to add to the sides of the chart for when we begin the application process of the Scientific Method students can write on sticky notes or similar and place them in the proper position on the board to help keep them organized. Too this anchor chart makes checking for understanding quick and simple, just a glance at the chart!
You can find another version of the Scientific Method anchor chart at ChartChums.
States of Matter Science Anchor Chart
Here is an example of an engaging anchor chart for science when teaching the States of Matter. This anchor chart can be easily modified for younger learners by allowing younger learners to find picture examples out of old magazines to place on the chart.
Teacher tip: have them put the image on a sticky note, then place it on the chart if you plan to reuse the chart. Then, you can bump it up a notch by having them draw and label pictures to place in the appropriate columns.
If you do not have magazines to spare, you can always let students look through books for pictures and instead of cutting them out they can then ‘draw’ and label examples. You can find another great States of Matter anchor chart along with fun activities for the topic at Ms. Rachel Vincent’s Website.
Questions, questions, and more questions!
This simple yet powerful anchor chart is perfect for all subjects but without a doubt yields some spectacular results in Science and Social Studies! Since this anchor chart can be used in multiple ways, just be sure to clarify its purpose to students before incorporating it.
First, you can simply use it for students to post any questions they may have throughout the day. Take a few minutes at the end of the day to go over the questions or at the end of each lesson to wrap up the day or lesson.
Next, you can add a topic to it and students can pose any questions they may have regarding that topic. You can then use those questions to guide instruction.
Something I have noticed with this anchor chart regardless of how you decide to present it, students will begin to answer the posted questions. They really enjoy sharing their knowledge and it makes learning even more valuable to them and more enjoyable too! I suggest using one color of sticky notes for questions and a second color to suggest answers or to at the least share their thoughts on the question posed by their peers.
How often do we ask, “Does anyone have any questions?”. All hands immediately go up. However, most students only wish to ‘share’ something with us? This anchor chart could be a great tool used to teach young learners more specifically how to ‘ask questions’.
Needs and Wants Anchor Chart
Here is a great Social Studies anchor chart for Needs and Wants. You can use this anchor chart repeatedly as well, just change the picture (situation). In this picture kids are learning the difference between needs and wants when going into space. You can make multiple charts then compare the needs and wants in more than one situation at a time. Then compare the needs and wants that arise in different situations. You would not need a space suite to go swimming right?
Social Studies Anchor Chart: People
Another great Social Studies anchor chart that is simple in design, yet makes for an engaging and memorable lesson for students, is a simple stick figure. Yes, a stick figure! First, draw a simple stick figure on a large piece of chart paper. Then present it with it a picture of an individual you are studying in your Social Studies lesson. Next, have students use sticky notes to label characteristics of the individual on the sticky figure body.
To make it more interesting I encourage students to delve deeper and try to find interesting facts for the entire body.
Like in the chart below, often Abe Lincoln’s height is referenced in text so why not place his height on the legs? He was a lawyer and politician; those facts could go on his mouth. They both must be good public speakers, right? Having been instrumental in the writing Emancipation Proclamation, this could be placed on the hands. I love how it helps guide students toward facts they may overlook.
Also, this anchor chart would be great when teaching characterization in stories as well! You could always make this ahead of time and laminate it. Just place a picture of the person you are studying near it. Use sticky notes for students to write responses and remove them for the next character.
Perhaps after using the large chart with the whole class, you could eventually switch to having students draw their own stick figures on a blank piece of paper and do independent research. Or again use it for Characterization when reading! A great deal of ‘educational mileage’ can come from utilizing this simple chart!
We Are Teachers has a great anchor chart for Characterization! This anchor chart can be useful when researching people, then turn it into Science and Social Studies anchor charts.
More Anchor Charts
You can find more great anchor charts for Literacy lessons visit Literacy Anchor Charts for K-2 Classrooms. We also have a post on Math Anchor Charts for Grades K-2 for some engaging Math anchor charts. Need some help getting started with anchor charts? Visit TIPS AND TRICKS FOR CREATING ANCHOR CHARTS IN THE K-2 CLASSROOM for ideas when using and creating anchor charts within the elementary classroom.
