Bioglyphs

The first week ... One of my favorite activities to use with the students during the first week is Bioglyphs.

For this activity, students develop a face diagram using symbols. From hair color to birthdays, students share a little about themselves with their classmates. After all the bioglyphs have been completed, display them in the hallway or other area of your classroom and challenge your students to identify their classmates. Students may ask questions that require yes or no answers only! "Is this your bioglyph?" is not an acceptable question! After fifteen minutes, have each student write their name on their picture and allow time for them to check their answers. My students had a great time identifying their classmates and I enjoyed bringing a little of their history lesson about hieroglyphics into science class. I also refer to this activity when we discuss classification at various times during the year.

Student Worksheets: Bioglyphs (pdf) - Includes all the worksheets for this activity.

Also available ... Bioglyph PowerPoint - Use this presentation to help your students as they create their bioglyph.