Category Archives: Science

Viscosity

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A bottle of corn syrup vs. a bottle of water.

In order to demonstrate viscosity, I did a demonstration with a bottle of water rolling beside a bottle of corn syrup.  The students were very engaged in discussing the different properties of water and corn syrup and how they interacted with the bottle.  I actually was not sure how this lesson would go over, but I was really impressed with the students’ responses.  To relate it to my belief statements, I think it really makes a difference to simply change the physical set up of the class and let them move around and sit differently in different situations.  I changed the dynamic of the class and led to more discussion to have a more relaxed physical setup for the demonstration.20140529_221012430_iOS 20140529_221832504_iOS

Connecting Learning to Practice – Paper Airplanes

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Math Class Data Collection

Math Class Data Collection

Another idea pulled from our science class at UBC was using paper airplanes.  In this case I used it to get the class outside and make a lesson on graphing and data collection a little more exciting.  I did struggle a little with structure and would try to organize the actual throwing and measuring of the planes better if I did it again.  I would probably just have the students in partners instead of larger groups as I did on this day.

Science Inquiry Project

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Today I assigned an inquiry project on the body systems.  I wasn’t to sure how it would go, as most of the students have not really done an inquiry project before, but I was pleasantly surprised at how engaged and interested the students were.  It is some to behold watching a group of students talking and investigating topics they are interested in.  At one point, I obviously did not make it clear enough that they could do any topic they wanted relating to a body system.  As someone asked the question about whether or not they could do any topic, there was a bit of a hubbub when they realized they had the freedom to choose.  My hope it the final presentations will reflect the students’ interest and choice in the process.

Practicum – Week 3

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I started teaching Math and Science this week.  I am now teaching all morning.  It is a little difficult to balance, but I enjoyed teaching more.  In math I am introducing algebra.  It is interesting how some students are so negative towards a topic.

Teaching concepts in math is tough with students at so many different levels.  I really need to work on different ways to develop trust in the class.

Coaching Rugby is great, but my voice is getting tired already.  I need to manage my voice more now.

I have to prep for a TOC and my FA on the same day.  It is difficult preparing well for someone else to teach your class.

Practicum – Week 2

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This week I taught human body systems in science, with a specific focus on the respiratory, circulatory and excretory systems.

I had an issue with one student.  He used inappropriate language and I had to report him because of a behavior plan.  I talked to him and it seemed to work out.

We had a guest come in and do a talking circle.  The interesting part was seeing the sharing that occurred.  I as proud of the class and how they participated.

Finally, we had a dance.  It was very disruptive and seemed to be a waste of time, however.

Practicum – Week 1

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Highlights – teaching body systems with Lego and diffusion with water and food coloring.

I started my first week off with a bang.  As any new, keen student teacher would, I planned a number of activities and found there was not enough time for most of them.  Many of them ended up rushed.  Day one I took the students outside to talk about body systems.  I had the students run around the track and then discussed what was happening in their body.  I learned how long it can take a 13 year old to get around a track and so for the next class I simply had them run to the end of the school and back.

My next hands on science lab was to deal with the increasing complexity of how the human body is made.  Cells come together to make tissues, tissues form organs and organs for organ systems.  To demonstrate this, I had the students build with Lego.  The class was split into 6 groups.  Each group were given a specific structure to build.  One group built the cab of a car transporter, another the back and trailer.   Four groups each built a different car.  We then came together and discussed how cells are like each Lego piece.  Cells are small and specialized to fill a particular role and each Lego piece is as well.  These smaller pieces come together to make a larger structure.  We then compared how those structures fit together to make a larger organism by comparing the cab to the brain, the trailer to the skeletal and muscular system and then each car to a different internal system e.g. digestive system, respiratory system, etc.

 

In addition, this week I also taught a lesson on diffusion and osmosis.  As this is such an important process in your body, I really wanted the students to understand it and how passive it is.  It is amazing that we really so much on such a simply process for our very life.  Each students observed how food coloring spreads out in a cup of water and then observed how a teabag works in order to observe osmosis.  The students seemed to enjoy the opportunity to see what was happening and not just hear about what happens your body.

Over all it was a great first week.