Ok so my I have this idea on how to connect the 3 lessons I have to do, and I'd really like some feedback to see if I'm biting off more than I can chew (a fatal habit of mine) or if I'm actually on to something that makes sense.
So, the idea is this: I'm going to be re-teaching the Phases and Modes on Tuesday and probably Thursday, too since I wanna spend more time on them and revisit the demeanors as well. After that, I plan to go into Plate Tectonics, but start it all off with the Language of Scientists lesson. The idea being that now that we know how scientists value, think, and act, we need to know start TALKING like a scientist. That means knowing that a theory isn't 'just a theory' etc, which will prep them to understand what we still need to know about Plate Tectonics. During the PT unit, I'll do the microevolution lesson to reinforce the evidence for continental drift and PT.
Thu, 01/24/2013 - 14:55
We've already done the phases and modes, so it' should just be a review for them on that. But, I really like the idea of going over the demeanors of a scientist, too. That way, we can really got at it with an open mind.
For the phases and modes, my students liked that it helped them understand a bit about how they learn and think. They weren't too interested in just doing the activity just to do it. But, because I tied it to something they were already learning, and I explained that it would help them understand how they learn, they seemed to respond better. I guess you could say I really initiated the lesson well.
Sun, 02/03/2013 - 10:55
The kids are really getting into the phases and modes this time! They got it last time, but we had a really rich discussion on what's the difference between the different phases. We segued into the language of scientists right after, so we were all in a more metacognitive mode to begin with (I'm gonna say we were deductive and inductive :p), and it really helped. I'm leery about the microevolution lesson just because it's such a hot topic (tm) but, I'm pretty confident that they'll be mature enough to handle it. It's surprising how many misconceptions they have to begin with! They seriously think humans came from monkeys!
Thu, 01/24/2013 - 09:46
I think its a good idea to do go over the scientific language before teaching plate tec and cont drift theory because kids do ask about it. I think if you went through the demeanors briefly it would save time and help students "channel" scientists for the activity.
From my experience with teaching the phases my students didn't really see the point other than being able to see or track what they were doing. It was hard to help them "see the point". I havent done the modes but I think they'll enjoy that more. I think I remember Michelle saying she did the box activity like we did in Mod 1 and her kids really enjoyed it.
Good Luck!!