Will

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?

I think they mean don't give up and utilize all resources. Thinking outside of the box.

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

You are always looking for ways to do things better (raise the bar constantly).

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?

It feels geared for elementary. I would like to see what a middle school science room is set up like and/or see what its like during the actual school year vs over the summer.

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

This fits in all the time. By pushing our students by giving nudges here and there and letting THEM figure things out really promotes learning. It might appear to waste time because the student might take longer to figure something out rather than the teacher giving the student the answer but when they move into high schoo and/or college and ultimately adult life, they have the skills to be able to think and figure things out on their own

Is a textbook needed all the time? When is it needed and when is it not needed?

No it is not. It's needed to help teach content and vocabulary. Its not needed with class activities and some student projects.

What would be the most interesting science topic to share with another subject? How would your students prove mastery?

I can relate to my sound and em waves unit. How musical instruments produce sound can tie in fine arts and science. It can tie in world history by how ancient civilizations utilized musical instrumets. Students can prove mastery by producing their own musical instrument or creating a ancient musical instrument on the civilization they are studying and showing how this intrument produces sound using the science content they have learned.

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.

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Journal 3:

What is Differentiated Instruction and what can it do for students and teachers?

Differentiated Instruction is basically varying the delivery of content towards the students. To promote learning and the most student success, you must differentiate your instruction so to ensure all your students have the most opportunity to be successful. For us as teachers, we don't fall into the same rut routine. Teaching can be as much fun as it is for the students.

Shouldn’t all students have the same opportunity? Is it fair for some students to do less and others do more?

Yes, each student should have the same opportunity. Well, you can taylor your activities for all levels. I think you can have additional activities for your advanced students.

What is the difference: ‘What gets rewarded gets done’ vs. ‘What is rewarding gets done.’ Which is more true for you?

For me, its 'What is rewarding gets done.' I really enjoy completing things I like more than having that carrot dangling in front of me. I do have to say that sometimes that carrot is VERY DESIRABLE.

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. I liked the brainpop website.

How could you do this without technology?

If you mean without the internet, then you can use what was done in class with a container of water and baseball, golfball, coke can, etc.

How can technology leverage learning?

It makes learnng fun and exciting. It also provides another visual way for students to learn content.

What exactly is technology? What is available? Do I need the Internet?

The electronic equipment used to teach content. Document cameras, internet, computers, video cameras, smartboard, dvd players, etc. Yes, it adds another element to your lesson plans and promotes differential instruction.

Do I need a bunch of computers?

No. One smart board allows everyone to "use" one computer.

What role does technology play in schools? Is it used too much, too little?

It should be used to promote differentiated instruction. Students today need to learn and use technology as they will when they become adults. I'm not sure if technolgy is used too much. In my short time in education maybe too little.

<span style="color: #0000ff; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">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?

<span style="color: #0000ff; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">This depends on the age of the student. I would not expect a elementary student to know as muc about "technology" as a middle school student, that said children seem to have a natural knowledge towards technology. I would give basic instructions and let them "figure" things out on their own but let them know I'm available for questions. __Although I agree with you, don't sell the Elementary students short, they have mastered technologies I haven't even hear of.__

<span style="color: #0000ff; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">How does technology fit into pedagogy and curriculum?

Technology should be be a part of pedagogy and curriculum. We want our students to be as successful as possible and the will be immersed in technology when they become working adults.

Journal 1: What was the best thing you took away tonight? I liked how we will conduct this class in an actual school classroom.

This is how I would expand this idea… We could research how other "science" classrooms are set up in a public school or a catholic type of school or a inner city school or rural school. (We've seen what it looks like in a private school setting) What are the simiarities and/or differences? My public school classroom was similar (although smaller). My processes and philosophy were cultivated through 10 years at a rural public school in Southern Illinois. I feel knowing what others are doing is important, but you have to know what you believe to be 'right' as well or you won't get the results you wish. The teacher is the number one factor in student success.

What is Inquiry Learning and is it a valid way to teach? Inquiry Learning is essentially gaining knowlege through asking questions. Yes, I think it is one way a teacher should use. Sometimes we need to push our students towards some indepedent thinking/query which will let the "light bulbs" come on. We, as teachers, are there for the student as a guide.

What is ‘Gambare’ and does it have a place in science education? I had never heard this word before but as I researched I found it is a Japanese word. Apparently, it is a very important quailty of Japanese culture. From what I found, it means extraordinary determination and endurance in everyday living. Yes I see this having a place in science education and in motivating our students regarding science.