Alexa's Elementary Science Methods Blog

  What did you learn this week? This week in lab we discussed ways that we can adjust assignments and instruction from the curriculum in order to fit the needs of students who are more advanced and those who need a little more support. We practiced doing this by looking at a worksheet that covered whether certain objects will sink or float, and we came up with ways to make it suitable for students at different places in their learning. We also revisited the questions of "why does ice melt faster on metal than on wood?" and "why do cold drinks get water droplets on the outside?". To find answers to these questions we looked at a few simulations. Once we were confident in our answers we created a flip video presenting our information. How can you apply what you've learned to your teaching in the future? In my future teaching, I will make sure to take the time to adjust my lessons so that each student gets what they need to further their learning. I also would like...

  What did you learn this week? This week in lab we created a model in our table groups to try to explain what is means for something to be dense. In our model we drew two boxes. The one with less density had less atoms and the one with more density has more atoms. Next, we went back to the m&m activity where we observed the different colors and the rates at which each of them dissolved. We also did some different testing to see what factors impact the rate at which they dissolve. These factors were temperature and sugar content. My group looked into temperature and we found that the warmer the temperature of the water, the faster the coating of the m&m will dissolve.  How can you apply what you've learned to your teaching in the future? I really liked how we drew a model of density to see where our understanding was at before the instruction was taught. This is something that I would like to do in my own classroom as I think it is a great way to get them thinking abou...

  What did you learn this week? This week in lab we looked back at our observations that we did over the skittles and starbursts. We came up with ways or forms that we could have our students do this same observation in. The form that I came up with was listing off the five different senses, and having them come up with observations that fall under each of those categories. I think this would allow them to have a starting point, as well as come up with observations that are more than just what you can see. We also did some activities that went over the concept of matter and what happens when you break an object into multiple pieces. We then tested the different masses, volume, etc. of the whole objects and the smaller piece of the objects, where we were then able to see the differences. We were also able to see the different properties between the objects through activities like the magnet and electricity one, where we were able to see how they differed. How can you apply what you'...

  Are you able to relate what you learned to what you already knew? I have done lots of observations in multiple different subjects in my education so far. In my past courses, I have learned about using all of my different senses like taste, touch, smell ,etc., to make the most thorough observations. I have also created lots of explanations to my observations. I don't remember touching on this too much in elementary school, but I know as we got into middle school and high school this was a big focus. With the m&m activity, I was able to predict that the m&m would start to dissolve and the colors would mix together based on my past experiences.  Which parts did you find clear and which were confusing? I found the observations aspect of this lesson to be clear. I know what things my students should be looking for when making observations. I also know that it is important to not only have them do observations, but also to have them come up with explanations and questions ...