Paul

Journal 5
Agency and Gambare are two words that may be new to you this summer. What do you think they have to do with teaching science? What other words or phrases would you add that sums up your experience in this class?

If you answered the question above, you are being reflective. How can reflection help you be a better (science) teacher?

What have you noticed about the classroom where we meet each week? What aspects do you like and what would you change, add, or remove if it was your classroom?

Journal 4
How does promoting logical and critical thinking fit into a science curriculum? Does this save time or waste time?

As we have seen from our class, a textbook is not needed. We have used the smartboard, seen videos, and used the internet in our class. I think a textbook can be used a great reference source when needed.
 * Is a textbook needed all the time? When is it needed and when is it not needed?**

I think physics could tie into certain math classes. I am by no means a physics expert, but I do know that physics uses numbers and the students could master both subjects by using both with each other.
 * What would be the most interesting science topic to share with another subject? How would your students prove mastery?**

The St. Louis Zoo The Science Center
 * Start a list of community science resources (institutions or agencies/ people, materials, or websites) that could be used to support the unit you are planning.**

Journal 3:

Differentiated Instruction involves providing students with different avenues of learning content. Because each student has a different learning style, differentiated instruction helps the student keep interested and motivated to learn the topic. This helps the teacher better prepare themselves to teach to the different styles of each student. ​
 * What is Differentiated Instruction and what can it do for students and teachers?**

Students should have the same opportunity to learn. I wouldn't agree that some students should do more than others. If a student has finished something before another student, they can move on to work on something else. There are cases where it takes some students longer to grasp a concept or complete a projest, and it may seem they are doing more work, but in my opinion, its not that it is more work they are doing, but spending more time on the project or assignment than someone else.
 * Shouldn’t all students have the same opportunity? Is it fair for some students to do less and others do more?**

To me, What gets rewarded gets done, means there is a reward for the work that you do. For example, if you get your assignment complete ahead of time, you will get an extra half grade on the assignment. It's a motivation factor. What gets rewarded gets done means the person/student is rewarding themselves with self fullfillment by completing their assignment/project. There is no reward given by the teacher for completing the assignment.
 * What is the difference: ‘What gets rewarded gets done’ vs. ‘What is rewarding gets done.’ Which is more true for you?**

Journal 2: Did technology help you understand buoyancy? If it is still unclear, how could you find out now that we are not in class? Yes it did. As opposed to learning it from a school book, it helped understand by watching examples while buoyancy was being explained in the video.  How could you do this without technology? You actually did this without technology by using the fish tank and putting objects in it to see if they floated or sank. But, an elementary student, I think the video we watched might keep them more interested in learning about the topic that is being taught.  How can technology leverage learning? Technology is another teaching tool. With students, it is a good idea to mix up your teaching method. As I stated above, you can keep children interested by watching videos or using their computers to learn, as opposed to listening to the teacher during the entire class. 

What exactly is technology? What is available? Do I need the Internet? Technology is using tools to teach and learn other than paper and pencils. Technology just not include computers only, but includes digital cameras, video cameras, and smartboards. The internet is a valuable source for teaching, using websites such as brainpop and brainpopjr. 

Do I need a bunch of computers? I don't believe so. Students can share computers or being doing other activities while other students are using them. They can be used as stations while conducting a lesson where each student in their group can use the computer, and then move on to the next station.  What role does technology play in schools? Is it used too much, too little? I have not taught before other than the few times I have subbed. From what I can tell, technology is used when needed. As I stated above, the smartboard is a great tool to teach with. I did not see the students on computers too much.

Is it the teacher’s responsibility to teach the tech or expect a certain level of expertise on the part of students, or should tech be avoided? I think it is important for the teacher to teach tech. Not all students have computers at home to learn from their parents or siblings. It is important for the teacher to let parents know what are good educational websites for their children to look at when they are at home. Tech cannot be avoided. Whether in school or the workplace, tech is used and I do not see that ever going away.  How does technology fit into pedagogy and curriculum? Techonology does need to be a part of curriculum. Technology plays a big part in our world today and it is imperative for students to learn and understand the uses of technology for all cirriculum, not just science. True. And with that understanding comes responsibility.

Journal 1: I enjoyed the dicussions on the BP oil spill and how it related to science as well as discussing the history of science. It was intriguing to hear the different answers and opinions from the students in class. Even though there were many opinions, it seemed as if there wasn't much disagreement w/ anyone's opinion.
 * What was the best thing you took away tonight?**

I would change the plant project just a little bit. I would actually put my class into teams of two and give them two plants to work with together. I think with this idea, all of the plants would be used as opposed to maybe 8 students using the same plant. This way, everyone learns about the growth of all of the plants, not just a few of them. Good thinking. Cooperative learning is a powerful method.
 * This is how I would expand this idea…**

Inquiry Learning is about asking questions- going to find the answer to the questions. It also includes experimenting- let's learn from what doesn't work. We want to hypothesize and research. How can we find the priority and what do we need to know first. Well said. This can be done independently, in small groups, or as a whole class given a quality topic to investigate.
 * What is Inquiry Learning and is it a valid way to teach?**

I think it can be a valuable way to teach. Students need to ask questions to find answers. It's important for them to think about a question to find their answer as well as having an understanding that there is no wrong questions to ask. And, by researching, you will be able to find answers to your questions.

Gambare ranks among the top values which characterize the Japanese culture; and you get all kinds of opinions as to whether it means an extraordinary power of determination and endurance, or simple mulishness. In other words, try your best and don't give up.
 * What is ‘Gambare’ and does it have a place in science education?**

I think it it has a place in all facets of life and education. If you kep striving to do your best, you will get the best results. In education, if you strive to find the correct answer, and don't give up, you will eventually get your answer, no matter how long it takes. Even if you don't find the answer, you will find truths along the way that you didn't know before.