Science Methods
This semester I am embarking on a new journey, which is science methods! We have learned about a lot so far and we are only a little over a week in. During this first week, we learned about the NGSS; which is the Next Generation Science Standards. I had no idea that the NGSS even existed, so learning about a new set of standards on top of the NCSCOS was a little overwhelming for me honestly. I am most proud of how I continued to research and dig deep into the NGSS even though it was slightly overwhelming for me. I would also say this was my struggle throughout the week. I felt like there was so much going on and so many standards that I have to squeeze into other subjects at school, considering most schools do not have a set science time. To overcome this, I mostly just tried to relax and look at this as another tool to help me in my future. These standards are something that can help me teach the most relatable and interacting standards. I really tried to change my mindset throughout this week to think of these NGSS standards are something that can really help my teaching in the future. This week we also made ecocolumns! I loved doing this because when I was in school I never had the opportunity to make these or do any other fun hands-on activity. I think making this eco-column was the most satisfaction of the week. I think it was the most satisfying again for the fact that I never did anything like this as a child, and doing it now really shows that I could use this in my classroom one day. The action steps that I want to take next week are getting more progress on our science fair project. We have finalized what our project is going to be, and I want to really get that into words and create a shared document so we can all see the progress being made. I also want to really document what happens with my eco-column. Throughout this next week, I want to make sure that I am going to be monitoring the seeds that I planted and make sure that I am watering them correctly and documenting when they sprout and how many centimeters (if any) they grew. I want to make sure I am getting everything out of this project that I can. I think I contributed to the class very well by adding in conversations and being present throughout each class meeting. I also think everyone contributed really throughout the ecocolumn project. Each pair helped each other punch holes and cut each bottle. (This is another thing I am proud of -- nobody cut themselves today). Next week I can help our classmates by having ideas or inputs that maybe others don't think about. Bringing in outside knowledge can really be beneficial to our class.Outside Learning
For my outside learning this week, I looked up more information about eco-columns. This article comes from learner.org which helps with teacher resources and information. This discusses eco-columns and their purpose. It also discusses different science topics that can be introduced and explained throughout the eco-column. It goes through the curriculum that can be discussed throughout these eco-columns. This information could be great in my future classroom if I do decide to use eco-columns in my classroom. This could help me teach and use ecocolumns to the fullest.https://www.learner.org/courses/essential/life/bottlebio/ecocol/
Tweets
Here are my three tweets from this week. The first tweet discusses how STEM can start earlier than you think. It goes through how you can do STEM in kindergarten and you can use these activities to help get kids interested and involved in learning. In the article, it discusses how doing simple activities like making cookies can help children learn about chemistry or fractions. I loved hearing about how STEM can be useful and helpful at a young age. The second tweet was retweeted from NGSS. It discusses asking questions and defining problems in science and engineering. It discusses how in both it all begins with a question. It is a very interesting read and I thought it really continued my learning about NGSS. The last tweet discusses my ecocolumn that I built in class. To make an ecocolumn you use 3 two-liter bottles and you cut them into different sections. The bottom part is more of an aquarium. In a perfect world, the eco-column is self-sustainable.
Scientific Thinking
For my outside learning this week I learned about Hurricane Maria. It is extremely sad to learn about how the death toll went from around 60 to almost 3,000 people. This can be connected to learning about weather and natural events that happen around the world. Honestly, the first thing I thought about is how you can discuss this in your future classroom. Going over safety procedure if a hurricane comes near where you are living as well as how hurricanes form and what the damage could be.https://www.cnn.com/2018/08/29/us/puerto-rico-growing-death-toll/index.html
Throughout this week I learned more about the NCTCS. During this week I learned more in depth of the standard 3d which states, "Teachers make instruction relevant to students." I think this is something that is SO important in our future classroom. Throughout this week learning about ecocolumns and learning about ways to make science relevant. At least that was my biggest takeaway, that how I was taught science is not the way that my students have to teach science. I can make science relevant and engaging for all of my students. That is what I want in my future classroom, I want to make sure that all of my students think of science as something that is fun and engaging and they are learning without even knowing it.
