Asa - Elementary Science Methods I Blog

  In our Week 14 Lab, we tried to figure out the reasoning behind why a plunger sticks to hard surfaces like tables and whiteboards. We then had to explain it in terms that would make sense to a 2nd-3rd grader when completing this lab, so it took a little bit for us as a group to understand it first to then transfer this knowledge to our future classroom. Additionally, our table group created a short 45 second flip video explaining why the plunger and air particles cause the plunger to stick to the surfaces.  My prior knowledge to the reasoning behind why plungers stick to certain surfaces was kind of basic. I knew how plungers work, and I knew that it was going to stick really hard to the table, but I did not have the common knowledge prior to fully explain why it does that the way it does. Learning this in class this week not only broadened my knowledge with particles and pressure, but it helped me understand more myself as to why plungers work the way they do.  I am ab...

  During Week 12 Lab, we were able to find out all these different object's stats and whether or not they create electricity, if they float, what their volume is, and if it is magnetic.  I am able to transfer this data and information I know from this lab into my future classroom with a similar experiment relatively close to this one. 

  In lab this week, we were able to observe a lot of different stations that have little mini-activities that draws some predictions and finding answers. Here are my notations from each station titled with the activity.  Plunger Push  -How can you explain what happened?  When the plunger was stuck onto the table, it was very resistant and difficult to pull back up. It glided a little bit, which helped us regain control of the plunger and release from the table. When it was stuck onto the cardboard, little suction happened and did not stay onto the cardboard. I'm certain it's because of the hard services that do not have a lot of air inside.  -What questions does this raise for you?  Why does the plunger only stick to certain services but not certain lose services like cardboard? Why does it stick so well to tabletops and counters?  Melting Ice  I predict that the ice cube will melt faster on the wooden service because the metal pan may be a little...

                            In lab this week, we were able to go over our Week 7's reflections and shared what we knew and learned about the 5E's with the class. Also, we reviewed our baby faces that we created last week. This week we focused more on being able to create our own superhero by mutation . Also, we were able to get a progress report on our plants. It seems like our table's plant is starting to sprout.                    I could implement this week's lab into my future teaching by doing the same activity with the topic of mutation and how to understand it by going to the interactive website and the create a superhero activity.                     Prior to this class, my knowledge to mutations were very monotone. I have an understanding of what mutations were and how they w...

                           In lab this week, we were able to do a little experimenting with different little projects. The first being the making of a DNA strand with Twizzlers, Dots, and toothpicks. We were able to color coordinate them by connecting their A = T and C = G. The second project we did was paired up with a table partner, and create a baby face. We both flipped a coin to determine which traits of facial features/structures we would be coming from the "father" and "mother" figures to make the baby face design.                          These interactive lessons were very hands on, and amusing too! While they were quite fun, they were very educational when it comes to science and learning about DNA and recessive/dominant traits. I could implement these lessons into my future teaching by providing a similar lesson plan and ac...

  I was not in lab this week, unfortunately. However, I did have classmates that caught me up and talked with me about how we discussed turtles and pollination. I was present in lecture, and that is where I learned a lot about DNA and RNA! Although I do not have a whole lot to discuss about our lab, I learned a whole lot from lecture. Progress report on our plant in class: it does not look too good, but it does look better than last week!  I can apply a lesson about DNA and RNA to my future teaching. By doing this, I can use the NGSS to support an interactive lesson. This is simple science knowledge that will most likely be on the standards for lesson plans in the future, so by using the information I learned from lecture, I can apply to my future teaching.  Prior to lecture, I had knowledge about DNA and RNA, but it was from so long ago, and this was a very nice and refreshing lesson.