Science Method

How can you modify the scientific method to upper/lower grades?
Steps:

• Ask a question
• Do background research
• Construct a hypothesis
• Test your hypothesis by doing and experiment
• Analyze your data and draw a conclusion
• Communicate your results

I think that this is pretty clear for upper grade students as long as you explain the steps and walk them through the process. For lower grades, I would keep the steps but change the wording of them to simplify and bring easier connections. I would introduce the scientific method differently to lower grade students than I would for upper grade students. For lower grades, I would work with the class as a whole to go through the process, as for upper grades you can have them work in small groups or independently. Lower grade students will have less choice and variety when it comes to choosing different elements so they can be guided through the process. In upper grade you can give them more freedom in how they want to graph or reflect throughout the process.

What is one new thing you learned today?
I learned or rather was refreshed about the scientific method and also about how easy it is to integrate the science and math standards.

K-NEX Madness!

Podcasts for GATE instruction

When making a podcast for your class, you can address your GATE students by getting them involved in the process. Have it be interactive so students have a worksheet and are following along with the podcast to answer questions or a riddle. You can also have them make their own podcast in response to yours. Research and item of interest, compare their findings to the podcast. Add a pause (or pauses) throughout the podcast to teach live or give them a task. Use labels with a delay. Higher level thinking questions and agenda.

Podcasts for EL Students

When making a podcast for your class, it is essential for you to accommodate all your students and their learning levels. For example, if you have English Learning Students in your class it is crucial for you to include visual pictures and line them up with the topics being introduced to help represent what is being taught or spoken. Include background knowledge to tie in the new concepts with familiar concepts already known. You can also add subtitles to the podcast or have a print out available of the script (or notes) for the student(s) to follow along with. While recording the podcast, be sure to speak clearly and slowly. Be as descriptive as you can when you introduce new topics. Make sure to check for understanding after the podcast is over.