Line of Learning

2.13.2012

Line of Learning Questions:

1. How do elementary students learn science? 

Elementary students learn science by interacting with materials and becoming hands-on learners. These activities allow them to make connections, observations, and conclusions. They learn science by incorporating their knowledge about multiple subjects, such as mathematics and reading, and writing into the development of their creative thinking. As was shown in the moon lesson in class, a manipulative helps students demonstrate their knowledge and work through problems. Students are also more apt to learn science when they are able to connect what they are learning in the classroom to real life situations. The School of the Wild is a great example of a place where students can be completely exposed to the physical science all around them, it is also easy for students to connect to the real world through this experience, because that is exactly what they are studying. Also, students may still hold onto these misconceptions even after doing hands on learning, so students can learn best when they truly overcome these misconceptions. Students learn from making mistakes in their experiments. Students will learn science by experimenting, teachers should not always give students a ideal lab to eliminate mistakes. 

2. What classroom environments facilitate elementary students science learning? 

I believe that an environment that fosters student-centered learning; where the students needs come before the teacher. It is an environment that exposes children to different things and allows children to explore and test theories. 
The teacher should act as a facilitator; correcting misconceptions, guiding topics of conversation, and maintaing a safe and welcoming environment where students feel free to share thoughts openly with their classmates. A classroom environment where students are allowed to work together is helpful for students. 

3. What should teachers know and be able to do to design and foster effective elementary science learning environments?

Teachers should know that students work best when working with hands-on materials. They must also have Science notebook where write their thoughts on the subject matter. This can provide the student with a place to freely express his or her opinion and also a place for a teacher to assess the ability levels of his or her students and cater to those individual needs. A teacher should also know that it is okay for students to not know the right answer, but should give the students the time and opportunity to solve problems. A teacher should be able to gather information on what students already know or don't know. This allows the teacher to tackle the lesson knowing what common misconceptions need to be tackled. A way to gather this information is through assessment probes, which can be easily distributed online through google forms.Teachers should become familiar with the core standards in their state. This will allow the teacher to know what the goals are of their students.