Today in class we presented our projects. My group created a STEM problem regarding earthquakes. We had a power point presentation that gave background knowledge and allowed for the class to participate in a lesson that they could use in their classroom. The lesson consisted of using materials provided to create a structure that could withstand an earthquake (jello). The class was giving the option to use marshmallows, Twizzlers, toothpicks, straws and string. They were given 15 minutes to create a structure then we put it to the test. After we gave them 10 minutes to go back to the drawing board and and try again if their structure failed. One group had a structure that withstood the earthquake so we gave them an extension, they had to create a two story structure that could withstand the earthquake. All but one group was successful at the end of the lesson. See pictures below :)
Saturday, April 12, 2014
Wednesday, April 9, 2014
Pulley Lesson
Today, I went to Katie's class and taught a 5th grade STEM lesson. The students were excited and engaged during this lesson. I decided to teach her students about pulleys since they had already been discussing simple machines. The lesson involved different types of pulleys and pulley systems. They recorded this in a chart, and discussed the differences after.
The class was great during this lesson. The students were a little loud at times but that is expected with this students and this type of lesson. The class came to a consensus that pulley systems made it to lift objects. I wanted to have some pictures to show but the lesson was extremely fast paced and I did not have time to stop the lesson in order to take pictures.
The class was great during this lesson. The students were a little loud at times but that is expected with this students and this type of lesson. The class came to a consensus that pulley systems made it to lift objects. I wanted to have some pictures to show but the lesson was extremely fast paced and I did not have time to stop the lesson in order to take pictures.
Tuesday, April 8, 2014
Inclined Planes Lesson
Today, I observed Katie teaching a 5th grade STEM lesson. I was very excited to see how Katie's class would respond to this lesson and see how the older kids worked in this environment. This was a challenging lesson due to the critical thinking skills that it required. Katie's class had already been discussing the topic of simple machines so they were able to further their instruction in this area. The students had to determine which angles would help make the work of moving supplies up the inclined plane easier. After the lesson, Katie's class had an awesome discussion regarding the technology that is changing the world. They were asked how new technology came about. One student said she thought it came from on person being lazy and wanting a better way to carry things. What a great explanation!!!!
Katie taught this lesson using two large groups instead of teaching using small groups. The students had a limited number of supplies. Once the lesson was complete, the class compared their results.
Katie taught this lesson using two large groups instead of teaching using small groups. The students had a limited number of supplies. Once the lesson was complete, the class compared their results.
Wednesday, April 2, 2014
How can I assess STEM education?
http://www.aacu.org/resources/assessment/STEMAssessments.cfm
This is a great link to find information on ways to assess STEM. My biggest concern as a first year teacher is meeting the needs of my students and having the data to support my methods of teaching. While STEM is a great method of teaching it is still in the the trial phases for most schools. I wanted to find ways to assess my students on their process of STEM. I think that using normal assessments and surveys are the best methods to assess younger students. Assessing their content knowledge can be done using normal assessments and testing their problem solving skills can be tested using surveys.
This is a great link to find information on ways to assess STEM. My biggest concern as a first year teacher is meeting the needs of my students and having the data to support my methods of teaching. While STEM is a great method of teaching it is still in the the trial phases for most schools. I wanted to find ways to assess my students on their process of STEM. I think that using normal assessments and surveys are the best methods to assess younger students. Assessing their content knowledge can be done using normal assessments and testing their problem solving skills can be tested using surveys.
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