Science Inquiry Experience: Summarize Question 9

When I teach these concepts to my students, I do not focus so much on the consequences of global warming. I sort of quickly summarize the effects of green house gases, then I spend more time teaching and demonstrating the many ways in which the students can do their part to treat our world better.  I participate in a special program called Earth Force, where we partner with an environmental agency to teach students about biodiversity and green living.

Question 9 started by asking what would happen if the polar ice caps melt. I discussed the fact that rising sea levels could threaten ecosystems, which can results in the extinction of species. Droughts and floods would increase, which could affect the growth of crops. Lastly, death and diseases may spread throughout the planet.  These are all worse case scenarios.

Question 9 also asked what other questions I have about the science inquiry experience. I would love to get some ideas about how to teach global warming to my younger students without scaring them to death. I want to make them aware of the truth, but in the past I have spent more time teaching living a green lifestyle rather than telling the students that we humans are killing our planet and because of that our children and grandchildren will suffer the consequences. Suggestions?

Stem Lesson for Diverse Learners

I must say that I have been quite taken back by this lesson format. This format is extremely in depth and would probably take tons of time to create for each lesson.  I do not know if I missed some resources or am just not getting it.  The template was malfunctioning. I have used this template in other classes and did not have these issues of red lines and font.

The 5-E strategies seemed simple enough at first. But, when I saw the break down about the specific strategies that should be used for each one, I became confused.  Any strategy that breaks down what is needed to be learned is helpful, especially in the planning process, but I need to do a bit more research on the 5-E’s so that I may gain a complete understanding.

This process is very different from the way I usually plan. The lesson plan format required for my school area is very student specific. Teachers are required to differentiate instruction so there is a section for different group levels. Each group level gets its own plan for the lesson.  There is also a section for modifications and accommodations for special needs, ELL and gifted students.  All subjects are included on one plan. 

I have implemented the lesson from my plan. It was important that my co-teachers had a copy of the plan before the implementation so that they may be prepared to help the students.  Also, when I present this lesson again I will be sure to discuss in greater detail how I want students to behave with the materials before they get them in their hands.

Again, I will need more coaching on these strategies and format in order to move forward with it.  I hope that I will be more successful in the applications to come.