Winter Wonders of the Frosty Forest - A Steam Adventure With Hoot the Owl
Winter Wonders of the Frosty Forest” is a 6-week STEAM adventure for ages 7–9! Kids explore ecosystems, seasonal changes, and winter plant and animal life through fun lessons and hands-on projects. Perfect for young explorers!
What's included
12 pre-recorded lessons
6 weeks
of teacher support1 year access
to the contentProjects
4+ hours per week. Students will engage in comprehensive, self-paced learning with weekly materials, interactive digital activities, diverse assessments, and a final project showcase. Each week includes multiple learning formats to support independent exploration of winter science concepts.Certificate of Completion
The mastery evaluation will be holistic, assessing creativity, critical thinking, and effective communication. The teacher will utilize rubrics to evaluate each component, providing constructive feedback to help students master the unit objectives. This comprehensive approach will ensure that students develop a solid understanding of the concepts and skills related to winter ecosystems, while also encouraging their exploration and engagement throughout the course.Class Experience
US Grade 2 - 3
Beginner Level
Winter Wonders: A Self-Paced STEAM Journey Join Hoot the Owl on an enchanting exploration of winter ecosystems! In this engaging self-paced course designed for grades 2-3 (ages 7-9), students will discover the secrets of winter through 12 exciting narrated lessons. Over the course of 6 weeks, young explorers will investigate seasonal changes, animal adaptations, and plant survival strategies while engaging in hands-on STEAM activities. Key Highlights Include: Weekly Student Workbooks: Filled with activities to reinforce learning. Parent Guidebook: Provides support for at-home learning. Submission Guide and Rubric: Helps track progress and expectations. Professionally Illustrated Slides: Enhance visual learning. Hands-On Science Experiments: Encourage creativity and exploration. Flexible Learning Environment: Perfect for independent learners. What You'll Explore: The fascinating adaptations of animals during winter. The unique characteristics of evergreen trees. The science behind snowflake formation and winter constellations. The importance of conservation in winter ecosystems. Get ready for a winter adventure filled with curiosity, creativity, and scientific discovery!
Learning Goals
Understand seasonal changes in forests and recognize the impact of winter on the ecosystem.
Understand animal adaptations during winter, specifically hibernation.
Syllabus
Curriculum
Follows Teacher-Created CurriculumStandards
Aligned with Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS)12 Lessons
over 6 WeeksLesson 1:
Hoot’s Winter Forest Transformation Adventure: Introduction to Seasonal Changes
Explore how forests change with the seasons and the effects of winter on the ecosystem.
1 assignment
Lesson 2:
Hoot’s Winter Forest Transformation Adventure: Digital Nature Journals
Document winter observations in a digital nature journal, noting changes in the local environment.
2 assignments
Lesson 3:
Wild Winter Wonders with Hoot: Hibernation and Adaptations
Learn about how animals adapt to winter through hibernation and migration strategies.
Lesson 4:
Wild Winter Wonders with Hoot: Tracks in the Snow
Investigate animal tracks and what they reveal about winter behaviors.
Other Details
Parental Guidance
The Winter Wonders class is designed to be engaging and safe for young learners. Parents should be aware of the following safety considerations:
• Experiments Involving Ice: Some activities require handling ice, so adult supervision is recommended.
• Using Safety Scissors: Students will create paper snowflakes using safety scissors. We suggest grown-up assistance for younger students to ensure proper handling.
• Recommended Adult Support: Parents are advised to assist children during hands-on activities that require close attention.
•Media Content: All media content has been carefully reviewed and rated appropriate for ages 7-9.
Pre-Requisites
1. Basic understanding of the seasons.
2. Awareness of plants and animals.
3. Ability to observe and write about nature.
4. Enjoyment of hands-on activities.
5. Basic reading and writing skills.
6. Familiarity with using a computer or table
Supply List
Learner Supply List for Winter Wonders: A Self-Paced STEAM Journey 1. Digital Device: A computer, tablet, or smartphone with internet connectivity for accessing Nearpod and online resources. 2. Student Workbooks: Weekly workbooks containing engaging activities and resources aligned with the course content. 3. Notebook or Graph Paper: For journaling, drawing observations, and completing activities. 4. Writing Utensils: Pencils, pens, and colored pencils or markers for writing and drawing. 5. Art Supplies: Colored pencils, crayons, scissors, and glue for various hands-on projects and crafts. 6. Craft Materials: A shoebox (for dioramas), paper, cardboard, twigs, and other natural materials for building projects. 7. Flashlight: Used for activities involving creating constellations. 8. Ruler: Optional, for measuring distances and dimensions in projects. 9. Access to Visual Aids: Images or videos of winter ecosystems, animal tracks, and snowflakes (provided in lessons).
3 files available upon enrollment
External Resources
In addition to the Outschool classroom, this class uses:
Sources
Sources:
A comprehensive list of sources will be included in the Parent Guidebook before the course begins. These sources will cover winter ecosystems, wildlife, and scientific concepts, ensuring full transparency and access to curriculum materials. Sources will include:
• Educational books about winter ecosystems
• Scientific articles on animal adaptations
• Reputable websites focusing on nature and conservation
Teacher expertise and credentials
Louisiana Teaching Certificate in Elementary Education
Bachelor's Degree in English Language and Literature from Western New England College
• Certified Elementary School Teacher
• Master's in Education
• 14 Years of Teaching Experience (US & UK)
• Certified TEFL Instructor
• Advanced Certification in Online Teaching
With extensive experience in both traditional and virtual learning environments, I bring a robust educational background to support students' learning journeys. My international teaching experience across the United States and United Kingdom provides a diverse and comprehensive approach to education.
Reviews
Self-Paced Course
$20
weekly12 pre-recorded lessons
6 weeks of teacher support
Choose your start date
1 year of access to the content
Ages: 7-9