Practical experiences: Science

What:  In preparation for science fair, we split our class into two groups and completed two different practical experiments to model the scientific process.

So what: Once again, I was impressed by the level of engagement when students were given a practical experience to complete.  I observed student inquiry as they modified the experiment.  For example, student completed a combustion activity to discover what elements are needed for combustion to occur.  Many were aware that oxygen is needed and quickly looked at comparing the rates of how long different candles took to go out.  It was also a good opportunity to make observations of what students saw.  It was interesting to observe that most were simplistic in their descriptions, for example, "its a flame".  However with prompting, were able to look closer at their flames and see the different colours within a flame and the different size and shape of their flames.  The oral discussion was great - students were making predictions, generating their own questions and verbally describing what they saw and thought and applying some reasoning based on evidence, with some support.

Now what: Supporting students to complete the written follow up for the activity.

EOTC: School policies and why they ROCK!!!

What: An EOTC trip for a mass of kids to complete a Fun Mud Run.  An opportunity arose that enabled our akonga to travel about 45 mins south to Raetahi.  Our akonga participated with akonga from our district in the mud run.  On the way to the event, a parent helper driven car had a very minor collision with another car.  Our akonga were very shaken up but with no injuries.

So what: Multi tonal here.  The kids were impressed with the activity however some turned their noses up at the lack of mud.  I observed that students I had previously pinned as 'will win and go hard out' faltered and didn't even try and made a joke of the whole activity nevertheless won the prestige and fan fare of their peers.  BUT, many akonga displayed positive attitudes and did try.  One young man, who was not as fit as others, kept going and finished the whole course.  I discovered that all akonga need opportunities to experience struggle so they can push themselves to succeed.  School policies: I discovered that it is important to have these and to have a clear understanding of the processes that must be followed in the case of a 'near miss' or a 'accident'.  The key point I took from being responsible for an EOTC event, is to know these processes inside out.

Now what:  Next time I am responsible for an EOTC event, make sure I am clear of the processes.  Try and make sure that a variety of experiences - academic and physical are available for all students to experience struggles they can overcome and at times fail so they can have another go.

Writing: Sentences are?

What: A follow on lesson about what a sentence is.  I was challenged with two authors that needed to use a variety of sentence structures and types in their writing.  How could they use a variety of sentences if they did not know what these were and how to create them?
Below is the observation document.

Term 1 appraisal observation