Have you ever heard of flipping the classroom? In short, it means transforming the learning environment into something new and exciting. Often times, the classroom transformation relates to a specific subject or theme students are learning about in class. I have seen a lot of teachers doing this on Instagram and I wanted to try it out in my classroom BUT without breaking the bank. Since our 5th graders weren't able to go to the outdoor science camp this year, I decided to flip the classroom and transform it into an outdoor science camp.
Usually the 5th graders go away for a week to science camp where they review a lot of previously taught standards and prepare them for the big 5th Grade Standardized Science Test. I wanted to do a similar thing for my class by making them feel like they were away at camp.
First, I used these adorable Vintage Camper Cutouts to create the display board for the different groups and activities they would be rotating in during our science camp.
With the extra Vintage Camper Cutouts, I made all of the students name tags. As they moved through each station and completed various activities they could earn stickers to decorate their name tags.
I covered the entire room using a roll of the Enchanted Forest Backdrop and a Design-A-Room Sky Backdrop. What is great about these plastic backdrop rolls is that they add such drama to a space. They are easy to hang and so affordable. Plus, I had so much left over after I was done decorating!
To add a little more fun into the classroom flip I used these Jumbo Camp Sign Cutouts for each of the centers. The kids loved working next to the Camping Play Table Tent and in truth, it was probably the most popular center of the week.
I put out a bunch of camping chairs that I had hidden in my garage for some fun and fitting, flexible seating options. It is amazing how a different seating option can totally transform a student's mindset when they work. I put out a couple Campfire Standups and Inflatable Campfires around the room to add to the ambience. The students loved making jokes about being too close to the fire or warming themselves by it as they worked on their science centers.
Once the stage was set, they moved around the room all week completing different tasks, an experiment, and of course a couple of couple crafts to engage and prepare them for the final science test.
They reviewed everything they've learned in science the past three years, which is a daunting task for both the students and teacher! Without doing this mini classroom flip, I know that this review probably wouldn't have been as successful.
It is truly amazing how hanging a couple backdrops, some inflatable fires and camping chairs paired with hands-on activities can make learning so fun! The students were engaged, worked well together and honestly could not get enough of our science week. I will for sure be looking for more ways to flip my classroom throughout the year.
