Welp. Today's the day. I spent a large portion of my week off researching and planning for my first project-based learning lesson. My science 10s are two weeks into the chemistry unit: they know how to use the periodic table, how elements combine to form compounds, and how to name those compounds. Today they'll begin exploring chemical reactions through a 3 week long project where they will research a chemical reaction of their choice, design and carry out an experiment, and use the course concepts to guide them. Then they'll communicate all their learning in a science-fair-like expo event at our school. Our driving question is: How do chemicals act and react around us? I'm excited to embark on this new journey, and I'm looking forward to learning at least as much as the kids. I'll do my best to document the experience here. Wish us luck! -KK |
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mechanical operation of the vehicle. I was thinking too much! Eventually I figured out it was best to shut off the thinky parts of my brain and focus on the kinesthetic parts. In other words, I focused only on what my feet and hands were doing, and ended up making faster progress. In addition, I found that focusing on the "what" first, rather than on the "how" and "why", made it easier to later understand the "how" and "why" because I could match up the mechanical operations (which became second nature) to the science behind them. Moral of the story: book learning shouldn't necessarily precede learning by doing, and in fact, may hinder it. Learning is not a one-size-fits-all deal and the way you learn to do things depends largely on what the thing is.
#LessonLearned As an afterthought, it could be the case that my new driving skills are moot on account of the autonomous cars that are soon to take over. Another afterthought: in terms of assessment, this experience reinforces my belief that some curricular outcomes aren't best assessed through a paper and pencil test. Sometimes you need to actually see the students drive the car. |
Koreen Klassen
I am a passionate science teacher interested in assessment and student ownership of learning. Archives
February 2018
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