November 25th, 2008
Today we were given the opportunity to judge a science fair for grades five through eight. I thought this was a wonderful learning experience, because it showed us real life situations in which science is made meaningful and hands on for the students. I was able to see many different kinds of projects created by the students, and was able to interact with the students and receive detailed explanations about their projects. I was very impressed by most of the experiments created by the students, and had very informative conversations with them about their projects. Having the chance to judge the science fair was an excellent way to determine the content and academic levels these students are at. The students were very welcoming and interested in what we had to say, and eager to tell us about their projects. I thought this opportunity was very beneficial for us, because we got to see firsthand what students do inside the science classroom.
Saturday, November 29, 2008
Final Presentation
November 20th, 2008
Today we were given a work day to prepare our final presentations. As a group we decided we were going to create a lesson for grade five. Our topic would be solutions and mixtures, and the states of matter- solid, liquid and gas. We hope to create a lesson that integrates assessment and certain activities that make connections for the students so they will remember what is being discussed.
Today we were given a work day to prepare our final presentations. As a group we decided we were going to create a lesson for grade five. Our topic would be solutions and mixtures, and the states of matter- solid, liquid and gas. We hope to create a lesson that integrates assessment and certain activities that make connections for the students so they will remember what is being discussed.
Seamless Assessment
November 18th, 2008
For class today we completed a quiz based off of the Seamless Assessment textbook. This textbook discussed many different ways to implement assessment into the classroom. Each lesson that was discussed within the chapters was based off of a specific type of assessment. The five E model was discussed in great detail throughout the text. This model is very beneficial for students learning because it incorporates many different types of meaningful activities that help students learn the material.
For class today we completed a quiz based off of the Seamless Assessment textbook. This textbook discussed many different ways to implement assessment into the classroom. Each lesson that was discussed within the chapters was based off of a specific type of assessment. The five E model was discussed in great detail throughout the text. This model is very beneficial for students learning because it incorporates many different types of meaningful activities that help students learn the material.
Lesson Plan
November 13th, 2008
For class today, we prepared a lesson plan that integrated a story book into a science lesson. My partner and I used the children's book It Looked Like Spilt Milk for our lesson. The lesson was based around weather and the formation of clouds. We thought this book presented a different outlook on weather for the students, and made learning more meaningful and exciting. Today, we also discussed performance-based assessment, and how it is important for students to participate in assessment in order to get the full affect of the lesson being taught.
For class today, we prepared a lesson plan that integrated a story book into a science lesson. My partner and I used the children's book It Looked Like Spilt Milk for our lesson. The lesson was based around weather and the formation of clouds. We thought this book presented a different outlook on weather for the students, and made learning more meaningful and exciting. Today, we also discussed performance-based assessment, and how it is important for students to participate in assessment in order to get the full affect of the lesson being taught.
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Five E Model
November 11th, 2008
The five E model includes Engage, Explore, Explain, Elaborate, and Evaluate. I feel that the five E model is a very useful strategy for teaching because it includes a variety of elements that can be used for a wide range of students. Educators should use this model within science by integrating into the curriculum, creating various meaningful activities for students. Using the five E model is easier for teachers because it gives them a basis for creating a well rounded curriculum.
The five E model includes Engage, Explore, Explain, Elaborate, and Evaluate. I feel that the five E model is a very useful strategy for teaching because it includes a variety of elements that can be used for a wide range of students. Educators should use this model within science by integrating into the curriculum, creating various meaningful activities for students. Using the five E model is easier for teachers because it gives them a basis for creating a well rounded curriculum.
Performance-Based Assessment
November 6th, 2008
Today we discussed performance-based assessment and how teaching and assessment go hand in hand. Teaching is truly effective when followed by some sort of assessment, and assessment needs to be based on the information facilitated in order to be beneficial for the students. Performance-based assessment is when students demonstrate what they have learned by using various materials to create an activity or experiment. To demonstrate our understanding of this type of teaching strategy, our group uses salt water and a potato to create an experiment. We had three different beakers that contained water, we added a different amount of salt to each of the beakers with a piece of a potato in each. We made our observations and found out if there is enough salt in the water the potato will float.
Today we discussed performance-based assessment and how teaching and assessment go hand in hand. Teaching is truly effective when followed by some sort of assessment, and assessment needs to be based on the information facilitated in order to be beneficial for the students. Performance-based assessment is when students demonstrate what they have learned by using various materials to create an activity or experiment. To demonstrate our understanding of this type of teaching strategy, our group uses salt water and a potato to create an experiment. We had three different beakers that contained water, we added a different amount of salt to each of the beakers with a piece of a potato in each. We made our observations and found out if there is enough salt in the water the potato will float.
Summary
November 4th, 2008
Today we completed the group presentations and figured out our next assignments for the rest of the semester. After seeing the variety of presentations I realized there are many ways to incorporate science standards into the curriculum. We can make science exciting by creating fun learning activities for students. Being able to present on certain scientific topics was a great way to understand the content and facilitate that knowledge to students.
Today we completed the group presentations and figured out our next assignments for the rest of the semester. After seeing the variety of presentations I realized there are many ways to incorporate science standards into the curriculum. We can make science exciting by creating fun learning activities for students. Being able to present on certain scientific topics was a great way to understand the content and facilitate that knowledge to students.
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Group Presentations Day Three
October 30th, 2008
We continued on with group presentations during class today. Each presentation had its own unique activities within them. For example, one group did a lesson on tornadoes and how they develop and where they are found. The activity that we participated in was fun and informative. We taped to bottles together and created our own tornadoes. I felt that this activity helped us understand how tornadoes travel and we were able to ask questions about the different characteristics of the storm. Overall, the group presentations were very good, and provided us with plenty of lessons that we can use in our future classrooms.
We continued on with group presentations during class today. Each presentation had its own unique activities within them. For example, one group did a lesson on tornadoes and how they develop and where they are found. The activity that we participated in was fun and informative. We taped to bottles together and created our own tornadoes. I felt that this activity helped us understand how tornadoes travel and we were able to ask questions about the different characteristics of the storm. Overall, the group presentations were very good, and provided us with plenty of lessons that we can use in our future classrooms.
Group Presentations Day Two
October 28th, 2008
Today we continued with group presentations. I really enjoyed each of the lessons facilitated by the groups, because they contained very engaging activities. My group presented today and our topic was chemical reactions. We began with an introduction of chemical reactions and how they occur and then showed a video to the students on safety tips. The video also contained information about the experiment. The students were given materials and worked with the teachers to create a chemical reaction. Our presentation seemed to go very well due to the reactions of the class. I learned a lot from the presentations given today, mostly about how there are many ways science can be exciting when implemented in the classroom.
Today we continued with group presentations. I really enjoyed each of the lessons facilitated by the groups, because they contained very engaging activities. My group presented today and our topic was chemical reactions. We began with an introduction of chemical reactions and how they occur and then showed a video to the students on safety tips. The video also contained information about the experiment. The students were given materials and worked with the teachers to create a chemical reaction. Our presentation seemed to go very well due to the reactions of the class. I learned a lot from the presentations given today, mostly about how there are many ways science can be exciting when implemented in the classroom.
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Group Presentations
October 23rd, 2008
Today in class we had group presentations about a number of different scientific topics. The first one was on how to make jello and the content covered were mixtures. The presenters gave each group the ingredients to create their won jello. The next was habitats, and the group had people create their own habitats inside boxes. The next group also discussed mixtures or chemical reactions by using oil, water, and food coloring. They wanted to the students to mix them all together and figure out what will happen to the three substances, and then draw conclusions about their experiment. The fourth presentation was sink or float, and the group members had the class test random objects to see if they sink or float. The students had to make their own predictions about the objects before testing them in the water. The last presentation was living things verses non-living things. The activity the students were required to participate in was to cut out different items in magazines that are either living or non-living.
Today in class we had group presentations about a number of different scientific topics. The first one was on how to make jello and the content covered were mixtures. The presenters gave each group the ingredients to create their won jello. The next was habitats, and the group had people create their own habitats inside boxes. The next group also discussed mixtures or chemical reactions by using oil, water, and food coloring. They wanted to the students to mix them all together and figure out what will happen to the three substances, and then draw conclusions about their experiment. The fourth presentation was sink or float, and the group members had the class test random objects to see if they sink or float. The students had to make their own predictions about the objects before testing them in the water. The last presentation was living things verses non-living things. The activity the students were required to participate in was to cut out different items in magazines that are either living or non-living.
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Ping Pong Activity
October 21st, 2008
Today we began class with a discussion on chapters five ans six. We worked through the different topics within each chapter and answered various questions from the reading module. After the class discussion was complete, we participated in the Ping Pong activity. The Ping Pong activity was a lot of fun, and would be for students. Also, this activity would be very useful when teaching gravity and the movement of air. In order participate in this activity, students need to understand the different characteristics of how air travels and was causes air to move in a given direction. Overall, I really enjoyed participating in this activity because it created some excitement within our group because we were seeing who could blow the Ping Pong ball harder to make it go farther.
Today we began class with a discussion on chapters five ans six. We worked through the different topics within each chapter and answered various questions from the reading module. After the class discussion was complete, we participated in the Ping Pong activity. The Ping Pong activity was a lot of fun, and would be for students. Also, this activity would be very useful when teaching gravity and the movement of air. In order participate in this activity, students need to understand the different characteristics of how air travels and was causes air to move in a given direction. Overall, I really enjoyed participating in this activity because it created some excitement within our group because we were seeing who could blow the Ping Pong ball harder to make it go farther.
Safety Topics
October 16th, 2008
Today in class we were assigned groups to discuss the important topic of science safety. We were given two different worksheets to use as a guide, we used these questions to become more familiar with safety within the classroom. Both worksheets talked about online safety, and what types of activities are appropriate for students to participate in on the web. I think that this activity would be very beneficial for young students learning how to use the Internet because there are many different situations children may be put in when using the Internet as a resource. After we completed the worksheets we worked as a group to find an informational website on science safety.
Today in class we were assigned groups to discuss the important topic of science safety. We were given two different worksheets to use as a guide, we used these questions to become more familiar with safety within the classroom. Both worksheets talked about online safety, and what types of activities are appropriate for students to participate in on the web. I think that this activity would be very beneficial for young students learning how to use the Internet because there are many different situations children may be put in when using the Internet as a resource. After we completed the worksheets we worked as a group to find an informational website on science safety.
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Work Day
October 14th, 2008
Today in class we were given a work day to prepare for our midterm projects. As a group, we both decided and planned out our presentation in an outline format. We decided that we were going to use a video on safety to teach the students about how to prevent any damaging situations from happening in the classroom. We also decided to create this lesson for third graders so they can become familiar with the different properties of chemical reactions. We are very excited about our ideas for the midterm project, and we feel the activity could be meaningful for the students.
Today in class we were given a work day to prepare for our midterm projects. As a group, we both decided and planned out our presentation in an outline format. We decided that we were going to use a video on safety to teach the students about how to prevent any damaging situations from happening in the classroom. We also decided to create this lesson for third graders so they can become familiar with the different properties of chemical reactions. We are very excited about our ideas for the midterm project, and we feel the activity could be meaningful for the students.
Monday, October 13, 2008
Midterm Project
October 9th, 2008
Today in replacement of class we were supposed to think of a pick a partner, think of a topic, and submit an explanation about what type of activity we will be doing for a midterm project. Maddy and I are participating in an experiment and testing various chemical reactions. We are using different chemicals and mixing them various contents to see the reaction. We will include the steps it takes to complete this process along with safety tips.
Today in replacement of class we were supposed to think of a pick a partner, think of a topic, and submit an explanation about what type of activity we will be doing for a midterm project. Maddy and I are participating in an experiment and testing various chemical reactions. We are using different chemicals and mixing them various contents to see the reaction. We will include the steps it takes to complete this process along with safety tips.
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Class Meeting
October 7th, 2008
Today I did not attend class, but the content being discussed this week covers chapters three and four in the text book. Both of these chapters discusses the importance of students involvement in science. Students come to school with a different outlook or idea various topics within science. For this reason, it is important for educators to build upon those ideas and introduce engaging activities for students to learn and understand the new topics being taught.
Today I did not attend class, but the content being discussed this week covers chapters three and four in the text book. Both of these chapters discusses the importance of students involvement in science. Students come to school with a different outlook or idea various topics within science. For this reason, it is important for educators to build upon those ideas and introduce engaging activities for students to learn and understand the new topics being taught.
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Mystery Boxes
October 2nd, 2008
Today in class we discussed the Allegory of the Cave and how it was created by the Greek philosopher Plato. This allegory tells a story of prisoners who were trapped in a cave and chained with Their heads pointing in one direction. They always faced a certain wall with a fire blazing behind them. The prisoners would sit for days and watch for the shadows of puppets and animals to appear on the wall. After we investigated this story we began a project using mystery boxes. Each member of the group had a box, and we would have to shake the box until we drew conclusions about what was inside. We passed the boxes around until each member of the group got to investigate the objects. We recorded our findings and discussed them with the class.
Today in class we discussed the Allegory of the Cave and how it was created by the Greek philosopher Plato. This allegory tells a story of prisoners who were trapped in a cave and chained with Their heads pointing in one direction. They always faced a certain wall with a fire blazing behind them. The prisoners would sit for days and watch for the shadows of puppets and animals to appear on the wall. After we investigated this story we began a project using mystery boxes. Each member of the group had a box, and we would have to shake the box until we drew conclusions about what was inside. We passed the boxes around until each member of the group got to investigate the objects. We recorded our findings and discussed them with the class.
Reading Module
September 30th, 2008
Today I completed a reading module on chapters three and four in replacement of class. The module contained various questions about topics introduced throughout the chapters. I thought that this activity was very beneficial because I learned a great deal about incorporating science into the classroom. Also, both chapters included very detailed case studies that contained activities that were very engaging and meaningful. The main focus of both of these chapters was children's understanding of the various dimensions of science. Students many times have misconceptions or preconceived notions about science, and it is important for teachers to understand those and ideas and build on them. Chapters three and four in the text reveal the importance of making science meaningful and relevant to children's lives by creating connections and making activities engaging and exciting.
Today I completed a reading module on chapters three and four in replacement of class. The module contained various questions about topics introduced throughout the chapters. I thought that this activity was very beneficial because I learned a great deal about incorporating science into the classroom. Also, both chapters included very detailed case studies that contained activities that were very engaging and meaningful. The main focus of both of these chapters was children's understanding of the various dimensions of science. Students many times have misconceptions or preconceived notions about science, and it is important for teachers to understand those and ideas and build on them. Chapters three and four in the text reveal the importance of making science meaningful and relevant to children's lives by creating connections and making activities engaging and exciting.
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Web Seminar
September 25th, 2008
Toady's class was replaced by a Web Seminar and I felt this activity was a perfect replacement for class. The topic of the seminar was very interesting and was discussed in great detail so were able to understand the content more thoroughly. When I first logged in I was having a difficult time staying tuned in to the discussion due to Internet problems, but once that issue surpassed I interacting with the rest of the students and responding to the questions. I thought it was convenient that we were able to see what everyone else thought about and how they answered the questions to see a different point of view. The topic of stars was very interesting and contained informative facts, but I was a little lost at times because we were thrown into this topic without any introducing. Overall, I really enjoyed listening in on the web seminar because I felt it was a new and exciting way to learn about stars and what they are made of.
Toady's class was replaced by a Web Seminar and I felt this activity was a perfect replacement for class. The topic of the seminar was very interesting and was discussed in great detail so were able to understand the content more thoroughly. When I first logged in I was having a difficult time staying tuned in to the discussion due to Internet problems, but once that issue surpassed I interacting with the rest of the students and responding to the questions. I thought it was convenient that we were able to see what everyone else thought about and how they answered the questions to see a different point of view. The topic of stars was very interesting and contained informative facts, but I was a little lost at times because we were thrown into this topic without any introducing. Overall, I really enjoyed listening in on the web seminar because I felt it was a new and exciting way to learn about stars and what they are made of.
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Testing Acids
September 23rd, 2008
Today we participated in a lab activity that dealt with testing various kinds of acid. We mixed a number of different types of acids with vinegar and waited for the results. As a group, we began by mixing baking soda with vinegar and we realized that there was a huge reaction. The vinegar and baking soda made a large amount of fizz and bubbles. Vinegar and lime juice made the biggest reactions out of all the acids we tested. Once we finished all of the liquid, we moved on to the actual pieces of fruit. The reaction of these substances was not as noticeable as the liquid substances because they seemed to be more dense. I really enjoyed participating in this activity today and I am interested to see what happens during the next lab.
Today we participated in a lab activity that dealt with testing various kinds of acid. We mixed a number of different types of acids with vinegar and waited for the results. As a group, we began by mixing baking soda with vinegar and we realized that there was a huge reaction. The vinegar and baking soda made a large amount of fizz and bubbles. Vinegar and lime juice made the biggest reactions out of all the acids we tested. Once we finished all of the liquid, we moved on to the actual pieces of fruit. The reaction of these substances was not as noticeable as the liquid substances because they seemed to be more dense. I really enjoyed participating in this activity today and I am interested to see what happens during the next lab.
Nutrition
September 18th, 2008
Today in class we worked on a Nutrition Assessment. We got into groups and were able to explore Dr. Foss's fun filled nutrition games, that explained how to pick out healthy meals and daily intake. My group decided that for lunch a great meal would be hot dog with a bun and carrots totalling 270 calories. We worked on this for a while mixing various foods together, and we realized that finding a meal that is limited to a certain number of calories can be very difficult especially for students. I thought that class today was very interesting, and I am glad that i got to participate in different nutrition activities.
Today in class we worked on a Nutrition Assessment. We got into groups and were able to explore Dr. Foss's fun filled nutrition games, that explained how to pick out healthy meals and daily intake. My group decided that for lunch a great meal would be hot dog with a bun and carrots totalling 270 calories. We worked on this for a while mixing various foods together, and we realized that finding a meal that is limited to a certain number of calories can be very difficult especially for students. I thought that class today was very interesting, and I am glad that i got to participate in different nutrition activities.
Thursday, September 18, 2008
The Safety Game
September 16th 2008
The safety game is a way to teach students about the importance of science safety within the classroom. There are many rules that are included in science safety that are introduced to students through various activities. The safety game is an example of an activity that can be done within the classroom to teach students about the rules of science safety.
Today in class we created our own Safety Game, which I felt was a lot of fun because we now have an example of how to integrate safety rules into a lesson. I made my game colorful and detailed so the students would enjoy looking and participating in the game.
The safety game is a way to teach students about the importance of science safety within the classroom. There are many rules that are included in science safety that are introduced to students through various activities. The safety game is an example of an activity that can be done within the classroom to teach students about the rules of science safety.
Today in class we created our own Safety Game, which I felt was a lot of fun because we now have an example of how to integrate safety rules into a lesson. I made my game colorful and detailed so the students would enjoy looking and participating in the game.
Saturday, September 13, 2008
Ready, Set, Science
September 11th, 2008
Today in class I learned why it is important to teach Science to students. Without scientific knowledge, we as individuals are dependent on experts, or more importantly, we are dependent on others. Teaching science can improve the quality of life on larger scale, meaning, students need to become familiar with the different types of science in order to understand various ways of life. Science can also aid in the development of language, logic, and problem solving skills within the classroom. There are many ways to get students interested in Science, and I hope use those methods and strategies to teach my students about the important of this content.
Today in class I learned why it is important to teach Science to students. Without scientific knowledge, we as individuals are dependent on experts, or more importantly, we are dependent on others. Teaching science can improve the quality of life on larger scale, meaning, students need to become familiar with the different types of science in order to understand various ways of life. Science can also aid in the development of language, logic, and problem solving skills within the classroom. There are many ways to get students interested in Science, and I hope use those methods and strategies to teach my students about the important of this content.
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Temperature Probe Response
September 9th 2008
My group was very successful with today's experiment. The directions given to us were difficult to follow at times, but overall we caught on quickly.
Process-
1. Set the probe to ferhenhite
2. We then placed 2 or 3 ice cubes into a small cup
3. We set the probe in the cold water, and took the temperature.
4. We then waited 20 seconds, and placed it in a small cup with hot water
The materials we used for this experiment were two small cups, and a TI-84 calculator.
We found our readings to be accurate. The temperature started at 45.3 and increased to 94.0. 94.0 was the highest read temperature after 100 seconds.
Our graph we put together showed a drastic increase in temperature, and we noticed that our response time was 49 seconds and it was 95 degrees. We also discovered our elapsed time was 29 seconds.
Overall, we really enjoyed participating in this activity and learning how to use the temperature probe
My group was very successful with today's experiment. The directions given to us were difficult to follow at times, but overall we caught on quickly.
Process-
1. Set the probe to ferhenhite
2. We then placed 2 or 3 ice cubes into a small cup
3. We set the probe in the cold water, and took the temperature.
4. We then waited 20 seconds, and placed it in a small cup with hot water
The materials we used for this experiment were two small cups, and a TI-84 calculator.
We found our readings to be accurate. The temperature started at 45.3 and increased to 94.0. 94.0 was the highest read temperature after 100 seconds.
Our graph we put together showed a drastic increase in temperature, and we noticed that our response time was 49 seconds and it was 95 degrees. We also discovered our elapsed time was 29 seconds.
Overall, we really enjoyed participating in this activity and learning how to use the temperature probe
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