- We had a Tsunami warning due to the earthquake in Chile, but it turned out to be a small wave. It was a scarey feeling not knowing how big the wave might be. Thank God my house is on high ground and we all had a long warning time to go to high ground.
Thursday, March 4, 2010
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After completing our second app. in The Nature of Science course with Walden U., I realized that I usually follow the 5 E's strategies for Science lessons. I did complete the lesson and its follow up which did require about an hour of prep work and a half an hour of internet searching. Since the follow up involved selling our art work at a local coffee shop, there was a lot of time spent talking to the owner and set up time after school. As I reflect I am so proud of my students. We raised enogh money to save 4 acres of rainforest, and they worked hard to incorporate a food chain and rainforest plants into their parrot paintings. Knowing we were doing something "real" inspired them greatly. I hope we inspired other classes to make a difference as they learn.
ReplyDeleteJami
ReplyDeleteAfter reflecting on my graduate study experiment on the melting polar ice caps I came to some insights. First of all, I would be greatly effected by this melting because I live on the island of Kauai. We are seeing our beaches lose about of foot of space a year now as the sea level rises. When they melt all of our beautiful beaches will be gone as well as our costal towns. Since our economy is based on tourism we will suffer great economic loses as well. Other costal regions such as Forida and CA. will also experience great flooding and devestation. I do believe food supplies will be effected by the floods and the droughts that will be caused by the increase of sunlight from global warming. The governments around the world should start putting stricter regulations on gas emitions and mandate everyone to go green. I think we should prepare for the worst and hope for the best.
ReplyDelete6. Reflection
ReplyDeleteAs I reflect on this lesson I can see room for improvement. It is engaging and
educational. However, I would have loved to use technology more. I know there is a
wealth of information available at my finger tips, but I have only so much time. My
life as a mom taking my two kids to their roller hockey practices, doing laundry, and
shopping and cooking have to fit in to my schedule too. I guess I could use an
assistant to look up web sites that might include games to be played on the computer,
more video clips and interactive activities. (Maybe I could pay my 13 year old son or
beg our computer teacher for extra help!)
Some other things I thought I could add would be a song about butterflies and
nature, or maybe a dance or hand show; like itsy bitsy spider. First graders love to sing
and dance.
One thing I did add this week was a Spring poem. I told the kids to reflect on the
butterflies. It incorporated the senses. I had them close their eyes and imagine a
beautiful Spring day. I asked them what they saw, touched, tasted, heard, and smelled.
Then I gave them a sheet to fill in that said I see, I smell, etc. Like John Dewey, I
believe it is great to integrate all subject areas.
I am personally inspired to learn through observation, as I can’t wait to see if
middle Mike became a chrysalis, and then see them all emerge as new creatures. I have
noticed a new excited attitude in the air, as my students can’t wait to look in the
sanctuary as well. They love learning when it is real and they experience it with their
senses..
In conclusion, I know they got the big lesson or big picture. They feel an
emotional attachment and appreciation for another living creature as
a result of this lesson. I feel very proud to say this, because I do believe what our text
says, “meaningful learning for most students occurs when scientific knowledge is
integrated into the student’s personal experience” (Buxton, C. & Provenzo, E., 2007).
References
Buxton, C.A. & Provenzo, E. F. Jr . (2007) Teaching Science in Elementary & Middle School: A Cognitive and Cultural Approach. Thousand Oaks CA: Sage
Publications.