Exploring Our Senses

Lesson Overview

Unit: Sensing Solids and Liquids (Lesson 1 of 4)
Duration: 30 minutes
Grade: 1
Class size: 20 students
Curriculum Connections: British Columbia Curriculum (BC) - Science
Strand: Science K-1
Big Idea: Our senses help us explore and learn about the world around us.
Curricular Competencies:

• Make observations and collect data using the five senses to explore materials and objects (Skills and Processes)
• Use simple tools and equipment safely (Safety and responsibility)
• Communicate observations and ideas (Communication)
  Content:
• The five senses (sight, hearing, touch, taste, smell)
• Identifying and describing sensory experiences

---

Learning Objectives

By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:

• Identify and name the five senses: sight, hearing, touch, taste, and smell.
• Explain how each sense helps us learn about objects around us.
• Use their senses to observe and describe classroom items.
• Demonstrate safe and respectful behaviour during sensory activities.

Aligned to BC Curriculum:

• Science K-1 - Use the five senses to explore objects and materials (Science 1)
• Communication - Share ideas and findings verbally and non-verbally (Communication 1)
• Safety - Practice safe use of senses and tools in the classroom (Personal Safety and Responsibility K-1)

---

Materials Needed

• “5 Senses” anchor chart with pictures and key words
• Small objects representing each sense:
  • Sight: colourful picture cards
  • Hearing: small bells or a shaker
  • Touch: various textured items (soft ball, rough fabric)
  • Taste: safe food samples (apple slice, cracker) with allergy considerations and parental permissions
  • Smell: scented cotton balls or herbs (lemon peel, mint leaves)
• “Senses Scavenger Hunt” checklist (picture-based for ELL and emergent readers)
• Clipboards or laminated sheets and dry-erase markers for checklist
• Paper and crayons for reflection drawing

---

Lesson Procedure

1. Introduction (5 minutes)

• Engage: Gather students in a circle. Show the “5 Senses” anchor chart with vibrant pictures.
• Ask: “How do we learn about the world?” Listen to student ideas and guide them to senses.
• Briefly name each sense and the body part used (e.g., eyes for sight).
• Model an example: “If I hear a bell, which sense am I using? Yes! Hearing.”
• Highlight safety: “We use our senses gently and safely.”

Teacher tip: Use expressive gestures and encouraging tone to build excitement.

2. Sensory Scavenger Hunt (15 minutes)

• Set up: Divide students into small groups of 4, each with a checklist and clipboard.
• Explain scavenger hunt rules: find an object in the classroom for each sense; tick or draw on the checklist when found.
• Prompt examples: “Can you find something you can hear?” “What can you smell here?”
• Circulate, supporting groups, asking guiding questions to deepen observation:
  • “What does it feel like?”
  • “Is it loud or soft?”
• Encourage students to use descriptive words: rough, smooth, sweet, loud, bright, etc.

3. Group Sharing and Discussion (7 minutes)

• Bring students back to the circle.
• Invite groups to share one item found for each sense and describe it.
• Link observations back to the senses chart.
• Highlight diversity in experiences and respect for others’ observations.

4. Reflection Drawing (3 minutes)

• Distribute paper and crayons.
• Prompt: “Draw one thing you liked using your senses today.”
• Allow quiet reflection to consolidate learning.

---

Assessment

• Observation: Teacher notes use of senses language during hunt and discussion.
• Checklist: Completeness indicates ability to identify sensory categories.
• Reflection drawing: Shows individual connection to sensory experiences (informal formative assessment).
• Oral sharing: Assess communication skills aligned with curricular competency.

---

Differentiation and Inclusion

• Provide picture checklists for students needing visual support.
• Group mixed abilities to encourage peer support during scavenger hunt.
• Offer multiple sensory options for students with sensory sensitivities (e.g., avoid strong smells).
• Use simple, clear language and repeat instructions as needed.
• Encourage expressive drawing or verbal sharing depending on student preference.

---

Safety Considerations

• Verify no allergies to tasting items; if unsure, provide an alternative or skip taste in those cases.
• Demonstrate careful touching to avoid damage or mishandling of objects.
• Ensure hand washing after tasting activities.

---

Extensions and Home Connections

• Send home a simple “My Five Senses” activity: kids observe and record one thing they see, hear, touch, taste, and smell at home with family support.
• Suggest families explore nature walks focusing on senses.

---

Teacher Reflection

• Did students engage actively in sensory exploration?
• Were they able to name and describe the senses accurately?
• Which parts of the activity prompted the most curiosity?
• How can the next lesson build naturally from this foundation?

---

By keeping this lesson dynamic, inquiry-based, and hands-on, students will gain a vivid early understanding of their senses, aligned well with the British Columbia curriculum for science K-1. This sets a solid base for exploring solids and liquids through sensory experience in upcoming lessons.