Scientific Method Modification

To modify the scientific method for lower grades, I would do it as a whole class instead of groups. I would start off by giving students some background knowledge (e.g., read a book aloud). I would then ask them question and have them come up with an "educated guess". I would simplify the terms and provide more pictures as well as make the experiments more hands-on. To analyze the data and communicate the results, I would do that as a class. Overall, the whole thing would be more guided. Based on our race car experiment today, I learned that it is more effective when I give students a time limit on their experiments. I also learn that it is good to give students an overview of the activity and the objectives of the day.

Building My Race Car

Field Trip Blog: the Fullerton Arboretum

How can I modify my podcast to support my ELL's needs?

To help my ELL learners benefit form my podcast, I would definitely post more pictures and label each one of the pictures to help my students learn some new vocabularies. I would also include videos into my podcast to help my ELL students better visualize my trip. I would also talk about the flowers from my podcast before I show it to my students. This strategy will give my podcast meanings to my students, which will help them be more connected to the topic.

Other modification for ELLs:

- add subtitles
- provide background knowledge
- keep it simple and direct
- longer post of pictures
- wait time

How to support GATE student?

To support my GATE students, I would ask discussion related questions for students to do take time to think about the topic and discuss about it. I would also create an introduction to a problem and ask how they can solve it by actually having them go out and do a podcast on the solution.

Other modifications for GATE:

- incorporate higher order thinking skill
- KWL CHART
- allow students to do research on the item of interest
- pause podcast when teaching
- use labels with delay
- expand on detail and challenged them to go out to find more info
- open-ended with themes
- group diverse
- use problem solving skills in podcast

Science Center Reflection

After exploring the science center, I found that the book center brought me back to my elementary school years the most. One book in particular was on whales, which brought me back to when I went on a whale watching field trip with my 6th grade class. The trip to see the whales was very exciting, which got me very engaged in the subject. I think that when students are able to expand their knowledge on science by going out and exploring it (e.g., hands-on experiments), the content stays with them forever...