KLEIN's
GUIDE TO
SCIENCE EDUCATION
PHOTO CREDIT: Nadene Klein at Tuolumne Meadows Yosemite National Park
The way to demonstrate the highest level of understanding is to teach it.
Yesterday I had a super proud teacher moment as 8 of my physics students became 4th grade teachers. For the past several weeks, my students worked on collaboratively creating a science lesson for 4th graders. It began with them choosing a physics concept that we had learned during the school year followed by simplifying it down to an age appropriate level. Next they selected a short and safe demonstration that they could explain and perform to engage their 9-10 year olds. In this process, they wrote a complete lesson plan according to a template I provided and then conducted a dress rehearsal with their peers. Ultimately they went to a local elementary school where they taught their lesson and demonstration four times as the the four 4th grade classes rotated between the high school groups every 10 minutes. The logistics for me as the high school teacher: (a) approve lesson/demos for safety and feasibility (b) provide the lesson template (c) provide some of the necessary materials and equipment (d) coordinate date/time with 4th grade teachers (e) manage permission slips for this field trip (f) transport all materials and supplies to the elementary school (g) float between 4th grade classrooms giving support/encouragement/help as needed, take pictures, and beam with pride. The benefits: (a) community connection between high school and elementary school (b) an authentic assessment of high school student learning (c) an engaging project for high school students at the end of the school year when they otherwise might check-out (d) 4th graders were inspired and engaged in learning with high school students (e) 4th graders learned science concepts they wouldn't have learned otherwise and built anticipation for learning science in the future. (f) high school students have a greater appreciation for what we teachers have to do to prepare for teaching them every day! This experience was a win win win win for every one involved. My high school students were glowing after this experience, the 4th grade teachers were full of gratitude, the 4th graders were in awe, and did I mention that I was beaming with pride?
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AuthorNadene Klein, M.Ed. has been an educator for over 25 years. She brings a passion and love for science to the classroom and through this blog to you. Archives
March 2024
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