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Elementary Science Methods 1: Week #15

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  Elementary Science Methods 1: Week #15 What did you learn this week in the lab? This week in lab we designed a learning activity using baking soda and vinegar chemical reaction. We came up with a guiding question and reflected on how we could engage student's curiosity through this activity. We studied and came up with ways students could analyze data by using a scale and observing the changes in mass during the reaction. My group plans to encourage students to use scientific terms, information, and ideas to explain their answers. We devised three guiding questions to help enhance their learning during the observation.  Which parts did you find clear and which were confusing? All the directions were clear and concise although my group struggled with exploring ways to manipulate the reaction.  How can you apply what you have learned to your teaching in the future? From this activity, it can be easily applied to the classroom setting based on the learning plan we created ...
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Elementary Science Methods: Week #14

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  Elementary Science Methods 1: Week #14 What did you learn this week in the lab? This week in lab we continued our discussion on particle models of matter and atoms. We studied the meaning behind why a plunger sticks to a table after you push on it. My group investigated why water condensation builds up on a cold drink. We discussed our ideas with our group and created a flip video to show our understanding.  Which parts did you find clear and which were confusing? I found this activity to be clear and concise with directions with minimal confusion.  How can you apply what you have learned to your teaching in the future? Activities like the plunger activity allow students to explore curiosity and think about the deeper meaning of what is truly happening when the plunger is pushed down. As well as the droplets on a cold soda can. Observing those ideas would be a great interactive activity for all learners that I hope to integrate into my future classroom. 
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Elementary Science Methods: Week #13

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  Elementary Science Methods 1: Week #13 What did you learn this week in the lab? This week in lab we reviewed our weekly homework for the past week and talked about adaptations we would make to the lesson for second graders. We also discussed density, mass, and volume. We reviewed the M&M's in water activity with our question being, How can a particle model of matter explain why colors spread out? We observed different effects on water with more or less sugar or none.  Which parts did you find clear and which were confusing? I didn't find any parts of this lesson to be confusing, all directions were clear and concise.  How can you apply what you have learned to your teaching in the future? I can apply these activities to my future elementary science classroom. The M&M activity I plan to include in my future teaching. The activity can apply to either lower or upper elementary classrooms. The observation allows students to observe the chemical changes happening whe...
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Elementary Science Methods: Week #12

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  Elementary Science Methods 1: Week #12 What did you learn this week in the lab? This week in lab we studied more about the elements of matter. We discussed the properties of matter as well as what is matter. We engaged in an activity that helped us better understand matter when it's broken up. We measured the piece of matter's mass, volume, electricity, etc. I found this lab to be really fun and engaging.  Which parts did you find clear and which were confusing? I found this entire lesson to be clear and concise with minimal confusion.  How can you apply what you have learned to your teaching in the future? I plan to use this activity in my future classroom, and I believe this would be super helpful when studying matter in upper elementary classrooms. I might challenge myself to create an activity to show matter through student's daily activities. For example, making ice cream in a bag (if school allows) so students can see matter and understand it in a fun and engaging...
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Elementary Science Methods 1: Week #11

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  Elementary Science Methods 1: Week #11 What did you learn this week in the lab? This week in the lab we engaged in many different experiments. These experimental activities included Coke float, baking soda + vinegar, M&M in water, plunger push, melting ice, and cold can. We used prediction and observation to conclude what was happening in each reaction. I really enjoyed doing these activities and using my five senses to figure out what was happening! Which parts did you find clear and which were confusing? I didn't find anything confusing in this lab, all directions were clear and concise! How can you apply what you have learned to your teaching in the future? The activity we did at each of the stations today was super engaging, and something I will strive to use in my future classroom. Not only do students observe the reactions, but students get to analyze and become curious which I think is important for students to engage in. 
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Elementary Science Methods 1: Week #10

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  Elementary Science Methods 1: Week #10 What did you learn this week in the lab? This week in lab we focused on the big ideas of natural selection and evolution. Explored more of the NGSS standards in Life Science knowing this our last week studying this topic. Lastly, we completed two activities with a natural selection simulation and preying on beans. Both of these activities helped us better understand the content we were taught.  Which parts did you find clear and which were confusing? I found everything from the lab this week to be clear and concise with minimal confusion for myself.  How can you apply what you have learned to your teaching in the future?  The bean activity I think would be a great activity in the classroom. However, you would need to manipulate some of the steps for elementary students because they might not know how to calculate percentages. I enjoyed how the activity had a mix of independent and collaborative work. It allows students to work...
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Elementary Science Methods 1: Week #8

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   Elementary Science Methods 1: Week #8 What did you learn this week in the lab? This week in the lab we continued our learning on DNA, RNA, Amino Acids, and nucleotides. We worked with base pairs in an online simulation. Also worked in the simulation by observing how mutations affect a DNA strand. We re-observed our baby faces from last week and shared them with the class. We had the opportunity to create our own superheroes! Lastly, I looked back at my plant's growing progress compared to last week.  Which parts did you find clear and which were confusing? I found everything from the lab this week to be clear and concise with minimal confusion for myself.  How can you apply what you have learned to your teaching in the future? I really enjoyed working with the simulation, and I believe the observation aspect was helpful for me. I would use it in my future classroom to help students better understand DNA strands and mutations, and be able to observe each set. ...
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