Summer Work

Posted on August 23rd, 2007 in Collaboration, Instructional Design, Science, Technology by wssmith

Eleven teachers from grades 1-5 worked together in our MST classroom for three days this week to develop science lessons around the common theme of CHANGE. Since the MST classroom is in its initial stages of development, I appreciated the groups flexibility, feedback, and willingness to work together to help shape the direction and vision of the MST program. Creativity, dedication, and enthusiasm were evident as teachers explored using the Backward Design process for unit planning, developed new formative and summative assessments, and learned new technology tools (Microsoft Photostory, Smartboards, CPS, and PowerMediaPlus) to help engage students in the learning process.

I’m looking forward to this new venture of shared, collaborative and reflective practice with our staff. Participants shared some great ideas for projects this year including:

Grade 1: Focus on the science process skills; develop inquiry investigation with unit on plants; seek experiences to help students understand the Earth’s position around the Sun

Grade 2: Develop inquiry-based lessons to support units on the water cycle, butterfly life cycle, magnets, and extreme weather events.

Grade 3: Implement a year-long data collection for weather (sunrise/sunset, temperature, wind speed, sky conditions, and shadow lengths); create and analyze graphs from the data

Grade 4: Create new Webster Weather Watchers videos throughout the year using data from 3rd grade as well as informational segments created by the 4th graders related to New York State; explore inquiry activities for Energy; assist with the NYS Science test prep in the spring

Grade 5: Incorporate the use of GPS and geocaching to reinforce understandings of latitude/longitude as well as science process skills; develop inquiry-based investigations for Ecology in the spring

New ideas for collaboration are always welcomed.