11/25/08

For today's class period we traveled to Elk Point South Dakota to judge the fifth, sixth, and seventh grade science fair! I found the opportunity to be a great experience! Throughout my elementary years, I never had the opportunity to participate in a science fair, so I found this opportunity to be a great experience. The day started out with lunch. Next, we found out which group we were assigned to. I was assigned to the fifth grade physical science. I had to opportunity to judge about seven different presentations. All of them were very unique and interesting in their own way. The children did a great job of presenting! One presentation that sticks out in my mind was done by a girl covering the topic of iron in cereal. The child tested about five different cereals raining from fruit loops to wheat flakes. The child discovered that if you blend wheat flakes with a little water into almost a runny like substance, pour it out into a pan and let it sit for about thirty seconds, and run a magnet through it, you can literally pull out chunks of iron. It was a pretty neat experiment. The overall winner of fifth grade was a girl who's experiment focused on calcium, and bone density. Overall, the experience was a good one. I was able to visit many different booths on many different experiments. I learned alot of information from the science fair. In the end, it was a great opportunity to take part in.

11/20/08

Today's class period was a work day. The period started off with an explanation of what is expected of our final project. To begin, our final project focuses on measurement. We went through a run down of what is expected from the final project along with a quick glance through the grading rubric. Next, we broke into groups of four, and each group was assigned a grade level from k-8. The goal of this project is to connect information over measurement throughout the k-8 grade levels. For example, our group chose to focus on measurement in the 2nd grade. In order to develop a lesson plan for our grade level, we had to meet with the first grade group in order to find out what they are focusing their lesson on, so we can build on information the students will learn from first grade into the second grade. We also had to meet with the third grade group in order to explain to them the focus of our unit so they are able to build on the concepts the students will learn in second grade. This process goes on and on until the 8th grade. After establishing this information, my partner and I found a science standard that we felt we could incorporate measurement into. We then developed a lesson over the standard. The lesson focuses on have students first plant various types of plants. The students would then predict how tall they believe the plants would grow. Next, the students would both measure and photograph the plants as they grow. They would then create a chart out of the data that they will collect. The rest of the lesson is in the works. However, we feel we developed a solid foundation. Overall, today's class period was very successful.

11/18/08

Today's class period consisted of the completion of two out of class assignments. The first assignment was to complete a quiz over chapters one through three of our textbook, "Seamless Assessment." This quiz covered important topics out of our readings. The next assignment was to upload the lesson plans that we have been putting together. Our lesson plan, as mentioned in earlier blogs, was based on growth and change. The main focus of this lesson plan was assessment since that is what we have been focusing on throughout the last couple class periods.

11/13/08

Today's started off with a brief run down of upcoming assignments and so forth. With the end of the semester very near, Dr. E allowed us to have in class work time. We have a presentation next Tuesday and Thursday which calls for us to present a lesson plan over a science activity. Since we have been learning about assessment within the last couple of class periods, this lesson plan is going to focus more no assessment than anything else. Because this lesson plan is due next week, Dr. E allowed us to get with our partners and work on it in class. She provided laptops for those who didn't brings theirs (including us because we forgot!). Overall, the day was very successful. With the help from Dr.E providing answers to any questions we had, my partner and I finished our lesson plan. We are ready to present it next week. Our lesson plan is focused on first grade and helping them develop an understanding for growth and change. Our activity consists of having the students construct a timeline of their own lifespan thus far.

Dr. E. also provided materials for us to reference when it comes to creating our assessments for our activity including materials over the nature of assessment, the purpose of assessment, the tools of assessment including purpose and impact, validity and fairness, reliability, significance, and efficiency. The information also included an assessment format along with other helpful and significant information. Dr.E also provided us with materials to read over if we ended up completing our lesson plans which was focused on meteorologists. This information was pretty neat. It informed us how, and with whom meteorologists work with, the equipment in which they used, how they predict the weather, and more. Overall, the class period was very successful. I really appreciated the in class work time due with finals and end of the year projects approaching!

11/11/08

No Class. Veteran's Day.

11/6/08

Today's class period was a continuation of our discussion over the 5E model from Tuesday. Prior to beginning Dr. E informed us of her goals for us to take away from the 5E model most importantly being to help us understand and apply the 5E model to our science teachings. We also discussed other topics such as the importance of meta cognition and learning. Next we moved onto our lab over potatoes and salt. This was a pretty interesting and new activity to us. Instead of following the instructions from a lab sheet that is usually provided, it was up to us to form a lab and the instructions out of the materials provided. We had to base the lab we created off of the 5E model. It took some testing with my partner and I and our materials; however, we eventually came up with a successful lab.
One of our latest assignments was to read through an internet source that Dr. E had provided pertaining to the 5E model. This internet source did a great job of introducing us to the 5E model, along with explaining how it relates to constructivism which I found to be very interesting. The 5E's are: engage, explore, explain, elaborate and evaluate. The website explained what exactly each one meant and how each one can be used within the classroom during instruction. The website did not only inform but it provided examples of classroom situations as well. Overall, the site helped me in understanding the 5E model. I think it is a great site to keep in our resources.

11/4/08

With the end of the semester near, today's class period began with a discussion over upcoming assingments. After establishing the due dates of these assignments, we went on to finish our midterm presentations. The first group presented their lesson over the changing of seasons. They provided a very child friendly video to demonstrate the changing of the seasons. The last group to go was a continuation from last week. They had already given their lesson. However, we still had to finish the activity. This group was the bottle rocket group. They set everything up outside in a large open space where no one was around. After putting on the appropriate safety gear, different groups took turns shooting of home made bottle rockets. I was pretty need. Some of the rockets went about 2-5 feet off the ground and other shot 12 feet off the ground. It was a very cool activity. The class period ended with a discussion over the new text book that we will be focusing on for class. This text has to do with assessment in the classroom. Our discussion consisted of the most common forms of traditional assessment including pen and paper, recall, and problem-solving. We then learned that as a teacher it is important to have flexibility in addressing different learning styles and the ability to probe different levels of understanding at different times during instruction. This in turn goes along with providing your student with many ways to show you what they have learned. Other important pieces of information pertaining to assessment state that, "For assessment to be fair, it must be consistent, each component must assess what has been studies and talked about, not what SHOULD have been studied. The final piece of information that I feel was of importance within today's discussion stated that assessment should be appropriately modified to accommodate the needs of students with physical disabilities, learning disabilities, or limited English proficiency. Overall I felt that we accomplished a lot within our class period today. The information introduced is very important to have an understanding of as future educators.

10/30/08

Today's class period consisted of presentation of midterm projects. We are almost done with the presentations. They will end in the next class period. Today's presentations however once again very engaging. The first presentation was over force. These presenters had us construct an activity out of pop sickle sticks, string, tape, a straw, and a balloon. We basically created what looked like a telephone string and taped a blown up balloon to the straw in the middle of the string. We then let go. The balloon went shooting across the string. This was a very engaging activity. Next we moved onto creating guap. We had already participated in an activity including guap. However, the interesting part is that each group presented the activity in a different way. The next group presented over tornadoes. Their activity consisted of taping two bottle of the same size together after filling one bottle with water. We then swished the water around and turned the bottle upside down. A tornado formed within the water. That seemed to be an activity that children would thoroughly enjoy. Finally, we ended the day with a presentation on heat sources. Overall, I have found all of the activities presented to be extremely insightful. Every group that goes focuses on a different grade level and different standards. I find this resourceful. These activities help you learn how to adjust different lessons to meet the different grade levels that you may be teaching. Overall, i have enjoyed the presentations of the lessons. They are very resourceful and they are great ideas to keep around for our own future classrooms.

10/28/08

Today's class period consisted of midterm presentations. I found the presentations today to be extremely engaging and they seemed like a great activity to keep around for my future classrooms. The first project presented today was called elephant toothpaste. The group did a great job at finding a very interesting activity. They were also very prepared in explaining how and why a chemical reaction would occur when you mixed together the ingredients that the presenters had layed out for each of our tables. During the activity, we mixed together vinegar, dish soap, and yeast. This combination caused a chemical reaction to occur. After we combined our materials in a water bottle, the reaction created foam which shot out the top of the bottle. It was pretty cool. The following presentations were over solids and liquids in which we made guap, and finally we ended the day with a presentation over bottle rockets. This group informed us on how to make them. The group then demonstrated how the ingredients mixed together, and shot off a bottle rocket. It actually worked and went pretty high into the air. Overall, i very much enjoy the science midterm presentations. Each presenter gives you a new idea that can be used in our future classrooms, along with highlighting key points to take into consideration such as safety, and construction of the project.

10/23/08

Today's class period was extremely interesting. Today we presented our midterm projects that we have been working on for the last couple of weeks. The criteria for our midterm presentations including completing a lesson plan, and demonstrating an activity that can be used within k-8 classrooms pertaining to science. The activity's had to meet science standards for a certain grade level. The midterm projects help to prepare us for lessons that we will be planning in our future classrooms. The operations behind constructing these projects call for us to take into consideration every aspect that would need to be included as if we were to present this project in a real classroom. You have to take into consideration state standards, rationale, modifications for diverse learners, safety, etc. Overall, I enjoyed putting together the midterm projects because I feel that they introduce us to the preparation that needs to be taken when completing these projects in real classrooms. The presentation of the projects also give us ideas that we can use in our future classrooms. My partner and I did our project over habitats. We first made a power point that covered each area that needed to be taken into consideration when composing a lesson pertaining to the activity. We then began our lesson by introducing books that can be used to grab the students attention and interest them in the activity. We then moved on to discussing habitats and the different animals that you can find in them, the reasoning behind why the animals live their, plant life that can be found there, and more. We then introduced our project which consisted of having the students create their own habitats within a shoe box. We created a video that demonstrated the process behind composing the habitats, along with displaying a habitat that we had already created. Overall, today's class period was extremely fun and insightful.

10/21/08

Todays class period consisted of going over chapters five and six and discussing the reading guide that goes along with these chapters in class. Dr. E. decided to go over the reading guide in class in order to make sure that everyone had an understanding for what the questions were asking, and also to help us understand how to go about answering the questions. After completing the reading guide, we moved on to an in class lab titled, "The Leaping Egg (or Ping Pong Ball)". The purpose of completing this lab was to help us understand the different labs that can be used in order to help students gain an understanding for class topics, along with learning to use alternative materials in order to make certain labs work. After completing this lab acitivity, we then took the time to answer the follow up questions as a class. One quesiton asked, "What makes the egg jump out of the first glass?" We answered this question by stating that air gets under the ball, exerting a force that pushes the ball out of the glass. The follow up questions at the end of the lab helped us to gain an understanding for the lab, and develop an understanding for the events that took place within the lab. Overall the class period was very successful.

10/16/08

Today's class period was very interesting. We had class in the computer lab today since we were going to be interacting with websites. Today's activity consisted of learning how to stay safe online which is extremely important when working with technology in the elementary classroom! Dr. E provided us with a link to a Doug funny website for children on safety. We took the time to explore the website and the information it had to offer. It was full of safety information for children when it comes to staying safe online. This website is extremely insightful and a great website to have children explore before allowing them to take part in online simulations. After going through this website, Dr. E provided us with another link in D2L which took us to a website on all sorts of safety from stranger safety and home alone safety, to water safety and health safety. I found this website very interesting as well. Overall, both websites were great tools to use in our future classroom when educating our children on different aspects of safety. I really appreciate the websites that Dr. E provides us with. All of them are great resources to use in our future education classrooms.

Class 10/14/08

Today's class period began by reading a science story titled, "States of Matter and Scrambled Eggs: An Eggsperiment." The entire class took turns reading this story aloud. After completing the reading, Dr. E explained how the science story related to our midterm science lessons. She explained that we were going to follow somewhat of the same format first by picking out a topic and making sure it relates to the science standards, then, by making a story out of our lesson. Dr. E also explain to the class that kids love to tell what their thinking aloud. She informed us of many ways in which this can be done including science journals, stations, clay, and sentence strips. She also stressed that models help as well. From this we went on to discuss the process of making a video which is a component to our project. We Then went out the discuss the format of the lesson plan and what is expected. The remaining time was a work day to get together with our partners and get as much done as we could for our midterm project. My partnerand I had our outline done so we moved onto the creating the lesson plan, and discussing projects that we would use within our presentation. Overall it was a very successful day.

Class 10/0/08

Toady's class period was an out of class lab that consisted of two different assignments. The first was to meet with our partners and form and outline for our upcoming midterm projects. My partner and I decided that we are going to do our midterm project over habitats for children in grades 2-3. We determined which standards we could meet throughout the unit, along with topics we were going to cover, activities we could do for the lesson, and more. We then submitted our out line to Dr. E The next assignment was to explore a web link that Dr. E had provided for us on D2L. This title of this link was Integrating the Internet Wonders of Science. The link provided us with many different websites to explore pertaining to different areas of science. Certain websites provided us with information on science fairs such as the benefits of science fairs, what makes a good science fair topic, examples of science fair displays, and elementary, middle school, and high school science fair levels. Another link took us to a website titled, "The Adventures of Cyberbee". This website provided us with many different paper airplane links to click on, along with lessons we could use over paper airplane science. The Cyberbee website also took us to a web page that provided a ton of different science topics raning from different topics of possible study such as endangered species to the Cornell Theory Center Math and Science Gateway. All of the links were very interesting and great sites to bookmark for future use in our classrooms. One website i found particularly interesting was called Cells Alive which provided animations of how cells work! It was cool. A final website provided by the Cyberbee introduced us to incorporating a treasure hunt into science. Overall, I thought all of this activity was great. It helped us to explore the different ways in which we can integrate the Internet into our science activities. The websites provided prove that there are many great educational websites out there that can greatly benefit our future students. Overall, I found the websites to be extremely insightful and will definitely book mark these sites for future use!

Class 10/7/08

Today's class period began with answering questions pertaining to assignments due. We also discussed upcoming events such as the science fair we will be judging in Elk Point in November. We then discussed our upcoming midterm project. This information pertained to the content we were to choose, the standards we were going meet, expectations and more. After addressing these two topics, we moved onto a power point presentation over safety considerations for science labs which is extremely important to be aware of when conducting any labs! Highlights of these notes included information stating, "Teachers should explain the need for protecting clothing, eyes, use of safety equipment, reading directions, and interpreting symbols". Also, Dr. E stressed the importance of NEVER leaving the classroom during any form of lab activity. If we need to talk with someone have them enter the classroom. Another important note that Dr. E informed us was that many safety issues can be eliminated by using organization or be organized. Following this discussion, Dr. E provided us with a website including examples for teaching science safety. Next we began our lab which focused on perception in which we learned is how you perceive, and how your body reacts to perception. We were provided with a lab manual to instruct us on how to complete the lab. We first took a pencil and poked it through a note card. We then used a mirror to look into to guide our writing. We then attempted to write our names, fill our a sheet that Dr. E printed off with different shapes for to try to create and more. This lab was extremely interesting. Before we began we thought it would be extremely easy. However, once we started, we realized it was very hard. The focus of this lab was for us to understand that learning is enhanced through repetition. Also, that the sensory input that results in the most effective memory retention is different for different people, that memory is enhanced by active firsthand experience, multiple senses, and emotional management, and more. As a class, we were able to gain an understanding for this information through completing the lab activity.

class 10/2/08

Today's class period consisted of a couple different activities. The class period began with Dr. E answering any questions we may have pertaining to science which is always helpful. We then took a few notes over chapters three and four. The information that we covered during this time was found in the text of chapters three and four. It was a nice review. During our in class discussions Dr. E elaborates more on the concepts covered within the chapters. This allows us to develop a better understanding for the information. During this time she also introduces us to new information. In today's class period, she talked about how science can be used in a way that all people can communicate such as through mathematics, or classifying things. This communication is a way to bring together diverse groups of people in helping them all find a common ground. Its crazy that this can all be accomplished through science! Throughout our discussion we took notes on information pertaining to the four domains of science. The first domain being simple mechanics of solid bounded objects. Other interesting information that Dr. E presented included information stating that when it comes to scientific reasoning, pre-verbal infants have ideas on cause and effect. The goal of today's review of chapters three and four was to help us develop a sold understanding for foundational knowledge and conceptional change in students, along with organizing science education around core concepts. Both of these chapters are very important to use as future educators. After completing our note taking we were introduced a video on Plato's a Allegory of the Cave. I liked how Dr. E used this video/story to relates Pluto's view of living in a cave and only being able to see shadows, to different parts of science that we have no yet been able to explore. Instead, we have to use models. This tied in well to the activity that wrapped up the class period. We finished the day with an investigation into model boxes. There were four models boxes labeled, A,B,C,D. Each student took turns shaking the box, making hypothesis as to what sort of shape was in the box. During this time we conferenced with other people in our group, conjuring up guessing or ideas as to what sort of shape we believed was in the box. This process tied into the four strands of knowledge. Overall, this class period emphasized on, and introduced us to much important information.

The Amazing Food Detective: One assingment for this class was to partake in an online activity titled, "The Amazing Food Detective". This activity was extremely intresting and insightful. The acitivty introduced you to about eight different children, all with different health problems. I took a look into the health problems of five different children. The first child was Althea. Her health problem was that she skips breakfest. She is energized in the morning, but crashes right before lunch time. This makes it hard for her to concentrate on school because she is hungry and crashing. The acitivty on Althea had us choose different breakfests that she could possibly eat. Depending on which item you choose, the detective would inform you of the benefits or downsides to what you choose. This information was pretty intresting. Another students case that I found to be interesting was Matthew. He was tired all the time. The detective informed us that Matthew would be more energized throughout the day by incorportaing more activity into his schedule. Overall, the online activity gave us much insight into different health situations raning from the downsides of skipping breakfest, and the importance of portion control to the importance of activity in your daily life, and how to turn these negative health concerns around. This website informed on how to make better health choices through eating the right foods, to participating in different activities. I believe this online activity is a great learning opportunity for studetns of any age.

class 9/30/08

Today's class period consisted of online assingments. The first thing we did was complete a reading guide questionnaire regarding chapters three and four of "Ready, Set, Science!" This questionnaire really made us apply the information we acquired from reading these two chapters. The reading guide took a while to fill out, however, it was a great review of the information that was covered within chapters three and four. An example of a question stated, "How can educators harness young children’s shared base of understanding and skill to help them learn science?" I answered this question with information I came across pertaining to the book. I believe that was the main goal of the assignment. Instead of just reading about the chapters, we learned how to apply the information to situations as well. I should briefly cover the importance of these two chapters. Chapter three pertained to foundational knowledge and conceptual change. The importance of this chapter was to understand to not look at children ideas of the world as misconceptions, they should be looked at as stepping stones on a path towards more accurate knowledge. We can help children gain an understanding for the world around them by using these preexisting ideas and elaborating on them. We can also restructure a network of concepts, achieve new levels of explanation, and more.

Chapter four of the text pertained to organizing science education around core concepts. The important part of this chapter was to understand the benefits of learning progression to students. It highlighted the benefits of focusing on core concepts and learning progressions. I have a feeling that we are going to see a shift from standard classroom teachings to learning progressions in the near future. Because of this, it is important to understand the concepts behind this form of teaching. In the end, all of this information is extremely important to understand as future educators. This helps to provided our students with the best possible education we can provide for them.

Along with completing the reading guide, we also completed the weekly discussion. This discussion focused on the advantages and disadvantages of incorporating science technology within the classroom. This was a very interesting topic of discussion. However, there was a ton of information to address and talk about. Overall, today's out of class assignments covered a ton of important and insightful information into the field of science!

Class 9/25/08

Toady's class period did not consist of actually meeting within the classroom. Those who were able to make it attended a web seminar titled, "Celebrating Astronomy: A Star's Story." In order to attend this web seminar, we signed up online in advance. After signing up online, we received e-mails with instructions to follow pertaining to setting up the needed program to view the seminar on your computer. Tuesday night around five fifteen...my friend and I logged into the seminar. Both of us sat, computers in hand, ready to participate. I have to say that the seminar was pretty cool. It started off with a short seminar pertaining to how to use the tools provided such as typing, stamping, and so forth. For example, after signing in, we were asked to stamp on a map of the United States, where we were from. From this stamping, we were able to see that people all over the United States were signed in and ready to begin the seminar. After these brief instructions, the seminar began, and the two presenters took over. Dr. E started off with an introduction to the International Year of Astronomy 2009. The presentation then began which covered a wide variety of information pertaining to stars. During this seminar we learned statics stating things such as, "Stars are made of 70-80% hydrogen, 20-30% helium, and 1-2% metals." Definitions were also given. For example, the definition of a star can be defined as a massive, hot glowing ball of gas. We learned about start nurseries, and that stars are born in the Orion Nebula, in the Orion constellation. Other information we learned included information pertaining to high and low mass stars. High mass stars are bright and burn rapidly. An example includes the Rigel in the Orion constellation. Low mass stars are less bright and can burn for billions of years. An example of this type of star includes the sun. We also learned how to classify stars. One thing I found particularly interesting pertaining to this seminar included information on the Helzprung Russel Diagram. We learned that this diagram is to astronomy as the periodic table is to chemistry. Another piece of information I found interesting informed us listeners that planets form around stars from accretion of smaller bits (planetesimals) after the central star forms, or from a clump orbiting the main star (Jupiter). The speakers then provided videos to demonstrate this. We also learned the ways that stars die. For example, massive stars die in an energetic explosion, medium sized stars become whiles dwarfs, and we are still looking for answers as to what happens when low mass stars die. During the seminar, the speakers took time to answer questions that anyone attending the seminar may have. Some people came up with great questions. Towards the end of the presentation, Dr. E provided the listeners with resources for teachers such as thePhysicsFront.org and other places pertaining to science. We were able to applaud the speakers through an applaud button. All in all, the maximum number of attendees reached was about 80 people, a pretty good number. Looking back on this experience I can say that it was not only a great way to incorporate technology, but was also a great educational opportunity. Through attending this presentation, I was able to learn a great deal of information pertaining to stars including formation, death, and everything in between. Overall, it was a great educational opportunity.

Class 9/23/08

Today's class period started out answering questions as usual. After this task, we moved onto our lab pertaining to acid. The title of the lab was "The Acid Test". This lab was very interesting and engaging not only for us, but for our future classrooms. The lab began by collecting various materials including plastic cups and bottles, baking soda, vinegar, and water. We then began testing the acidity of these different materials. When we mixed 5 milliliters of vinegar with a scoop of baking soda, a chemical reaction took place. We did this same process again but substituted water in for vinegar. No reaction took place. When then did this same process, however, instead of pouring the vinegar into an open plastic cup, we used a syringe to inject the liquids into a closed plastic container. After we injected the vinegar into the container, the reaction would cause the syringe to fill with air. The higher the reaction, the more the syringe would fill with air. We then repeated this process with lime juice, white grape fruit juice, pink grape fruit juice, and orange juice. The results for each of these varied depending on the acidity of the juice. For example, the lime juice had the most acidity due to the reaction with baking soda, and the amount of air that filled the syringe. After the chemical reaction took place, the syringe was filled a little over half full of air. Out of all of the liquids tested however, the vinegar seemed to be to most acidic, filling the syringe almost completely full of air after the chemical reaction. We then moved onto using actually chunks of fruit and testing the reaction of the pieces with baking soda. The reactions were much less severe than with the juice. We determined the reasoning behind this was because of surface area pertaining to the pieces of fruit vs the liquid. However, the over goal of today's lesson was to gain an understanding of acidity of the acidity of foods. We accomplished this through using different fruit juices. We learned that fruit juices are more acidic than regular liquids because they are more concentrated. Through completing this lab, we also determined that some fruit juices are much more acidic than others. Overall, this lab was quite interesting. I feel that it is a great way to engage the students. It is also a great way to include the children in a hands on activity and provide them with an up close and in depth experience dealing with acidity in foods.

Today's class period was very interesting and engaging. The class period began with a look into the South Dakota science standards for k-12. We briefly discussed each standard and them put them aside for future use. We then moved onto an interactive activity. In order to complete this interactive activity, we went to the website of http://www.Fossweb.com. Here we were introduced to different scientific topics pertaining to different grade levels. We focused on grades three through six. Some activities that we were able to choose from included landscapes, environments, and more. We chose to focus on health. The website provided many different activities pertaining to the exploration of health. For example, one program we worked with had us compile of meal using different foods to meet a certain caloric intake, and grams pertaining to protein, carbohydrates, and fats. We then analyzed different meals that we composed, and tried to figure out how we could substitute in different foods to reduce the caloric intake and so forth. We were also provided with packets to fill in when interacting with the websites. The packet provided us with information pertaining to nutrition. It also informed us on the recommended calories per day for boys and girls. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this class period because is focused on nutrition and involved interactive learning opportunities which i think is always a good way to engage students.

The assignment for yesterdays class period was to read chapters 1 and 2 out of Ready, Set, Science! Chapter one of the text was basically a review of our discussion from last Thursday which covered topics pertaining to the importance of teaching science well, what scientists really do, and so forth. I covered this information in my previous blog. Chapter two covered the four strands of science learning. Strand one pertains to understanding scientific explanations. Strand two covers generating scientific evidence. Strand three is reflecting on scientific knowledge. Finally, strand four consists of participating productively in science. The book informs us that, "Proficiency involves using all four strands to engage successfully in scientific practices." The book takes an in depth look into each strand to help the reader gain an understanding of each process. The book then provided a case study, in which you could see the four strands of scientific proficiency at work in the classroom. I found that to be insightful.

Yesterdays class period began with a basic overview of chapter two and the four strands of learning. Our notes began by understanding the new views and ways of thinking about science. Our teacher informed us that proficiency in science is a view of science as both a body of knowledge and an evidence based, model building enterprise that continually extends, refines, and revises knowledge. After this introduction, we then moved onto an in depth look into the four strands, similar to what the book covered. Closing out the class period, we put together a science safety game that we could use in our future classrooms. This board game pertained to science safety. It is a fun and engaging way to interest students in not only having fun playing a game, but it also provides them with a meaningful learning opportunity. The importance behind today's lesson was the understand the four strands of science learning, and how the interconnect with each other.

Class 9/11/08

Today's class period mainly consisted of notes, something we usually do not do. However, the information presented was important. The class period consisted of taking notes presented off of a power point. The first slide discussed the importance of teaching science well. As future educators, this information is important for us to know. One note that i put a star next to stated, "Science in this sense is more than a means for getting ahead in the world of work. It is a resource of becoming a critical and engaged citizen." We then went on to discuss the four reasons to teach science well. One reason stating, "Science may provide a foundation for the development of language, logic, and problem-solving skills in the classroom." Next we went on to discuss science as a new paradigm. Following that we discussed what scientists really do. Most people have the wrong imagine of scientists in their heads. We learned that real scientists use a wide array of methods to develop hypothesis, models, and formal and informal theories. Next we moved on to the language of science, and the importance of understanding it. One note stated, "It is important for educators to be clear about specific scientific usage to avoid confusion." I completely agree. Finally, we took down notes on conflicting definitions including evidence, scientific claims, and facts. The day ended with a quick run through on estimation in which the entire class made estimates as to which class container had more Hershey's kisses. Our teacher informed us that the lesson pertains to volume to surface ratio, and that spherical houses hold more. In the end, the importance of today was to gain an understanding of what science actually is and the importance of us as future educators to have an accurate understanding of the many topics we covered within class.

Class 9/9/08

Today's class period consisted of a video titled, "5 Minute University". After watching this video we moved on to completing an in class lab in which the main focus was learning about and calculating out response time. We began the period by breaking into cooperative groups and assigning each person a role. After gathering all materials we then began the lab. During we lab we used a graphing calculator and a thermometer to measure the temperature when moving the thermometer from cool water to warm water. The graphing calculator than displayed a graph of the data. Obviously from moving the thermometer from cold to hot water the graph went up, and then eventually leveled off. By reading the graph and using a formula, we were able to measure the temperature response time. After completing the lab we moved on to answer questions pertaining to the lab. An example of one of the questions states, "Determine probes response time by subtracting 20 seconds from your value for the elapsed time when the maximum temp was released". In order to do so we took our elapsed time of 177.5 -20 and we came up with 157.5 for a response time. Since we finished this lab early, we then moved on to the second lab in which each person in our group held the thermometer in our hands until the highest temperature was reached. We then added together the total of every ones highest temp and divided by 4 to find the team average. At the end of the day, us students walked away with an understanding of temperature and response time, along with an understanding on how to integrate technology into the curriculum.