I used to have a science class that was last period and towards the end of each week, it was clear that students were ready for the weekend. To be honest, so was I! And, I knew in those moments I had to find ways to keep things fresh and engaging in class but in a way that did not require a complete overhaul of lesson planning. The solution? Infusing yoga into the science classroom for a harmonious blend of physical and mental engagement.
When I added a bit of yoga, my students and I loved the opportunity to pause, stretch our bodies, and reset to tackle the next bit of class. In fact, it became a regular part of our routine, whether it was a few minutes before a test or exam, or to help transition from one activity to another.
Scientific Benefits of Mindful Movement
Beyond promoting physical health, mindful movement nurtures cognitive, emotional, and social well-being. Studies have shown the positive ties between physical activity and brain health (read more here from the CDC or this article from the National Institutes of Health). Physical activity can affect the plasticity and growth of the brain which can enhance comprehension and retention.
Integrating Mindful Movement into Science Class
One of the best ways I know to include mindful movement is with ScienceFlow Yoga. It’s a captivating integration of science and yoga that promotes physical well-being while enhancing scientific understanding. The goal is to transform traditional yoga poses into a dynamic exploration of scientific concepts, making learning both engaging and immersive.
What’s more is that ScienceFlow Yoga can be seamlessly integrated into different science topics such as physics, biology, chemistry, and environmental science. There are options for yoga in just a few minutes or to extend the practice with a multitude of poses and accompanying support options.
With 32 poses to choose from in the ScienceFlow Yoga Activity Pack students could do the Rainforest Canopy Stretch – Biodiversity Bloom. In this pose, students stand tall, reaching arms overhead with fingers interlocked to mimic a lush rainforest canopy. Another option is Constellation Stretch – Connect the Dots where students lie on their backs and stretch their arms and legs in different directions. They can imagine connecting the dots to form constellations.
This mind-body connection can cater to diverse learning styles with its inclusion of visual, auditory, and kinesthetic elements. The beauty of ScienceFlow Yoga is that it doesn’t require a strong athletic ability; instead, it focuses on a more holistic understanding of science accompanied with a multi-sensory experience.
ScienceFlow Yoga is a tool for science teachers and students alike that promotes a positive and supportive classroom environment. It encourages wellness and stress management along with opportunities for learning. Plus, doing yoga in schools like these activities connects students physically and mentally with scientific concepts.
The Compass – Comprehensive Teacher Guide
If you’ve ever taken a yoga class then you probably remember the teacher acting as a guide throughout the class. The same is true for ScienceFlow Yoga. A teacher’s compass in seamlessly integrating ScienceFlow Yoga into daily lessons is included in this resource.
And if you’ve never taken a yoga class, then rest assured that this approach is tailored to educators of all levels. It provides insights and practical tips for a smooth integration process into your science class. No one needs to be an expert in yoga to include this mindful practice into their science class. Instead, you might consider it an opportunity to demonstrate your own journey of life-long learning to your students!
For more about life-long learning, check out this post about an innovative teaching strategy to demonstrate that teachers don’t and don’t need to have all of the answers.
Elevating the Experience – ScienceFlow Yoga Mantras
As teachers, we are always aware of the inclusion of social-emotional learning (SEL) in our classrooms. ScienceFlow Yoga can provide this with positive affirmations. Weave together mantras that focus on the pursuit of knowledge and the boundless potential that learning brings along with focused breathing and strong positive messages and intentions. These inclusions into the activity will enhance the overall experience.
Affirmations can have a significant impact on mental well-being, including students’ mindfulness and stress reduction. An affirmation or a mantra can release the brain from overthinking and provide a more specific focus. And isn’t that what we hope for with our students, that they’d have an increased focus?
Immersive Learning – ScienceFlow Yoga Short Stories
Beyond the mantras are short stories that can transport students into realms of science. These ScienceFlow Yoga Short Stories are designed to enhance mindfulness and foster a deeper connection to scientific wonders. The stories are visual in nature so they encourage creativity. Students will be able to visualize scientific concepts through imaginative storytelling and this will help to concretize their knowledge in science class.
No matter your skills with yoga, adding in mindful movement using ScienceFlow Yoga is sure to help you and your students. Whether it’s a mini-break mid-class, to bridge a gap between units, or a way to provide students focus before an evaluation. ScienceFlow Yoga is an amazing choice to integrate social-emotional learning into your science class.
