While the benchmark test we used to analyze student understanding of the scientific method showed us that second graders, as expected, have a lot to learn about being scientists, we are already seeing huge growth! Since scientists measure change during experiments, we used the gifted resource, the Clarion unit to explore the concept of change.
Students used sticky notes to write things they know change in some way, sorted them into categories, and then created generalizations about change. Generalizations for change include that change is everywhere, creates additional change, and takes time.
Gifted benchmarks included in these lessons include: Justifies reasons for opinions expressed using authentic evidence; and Expresses opinions based upon defensible analysis, synthesis, and evaluation of processes and evidence. Including benchmarks in lessons helps students develop their critical thinking and problem solving skills.
Below you can see pictures of the matter investigation where students observed dyed water, oil, and an ice cube to reinforce the concept that matter has weight. After using the story, Mac Side Up, by Bob Elsdale, to learn more about the scientific method, students dropped construction paper "buttered toast" to collect and record data on whether buttered toast lands butter side up or down more often. Students discussed how using our paper toast and real toast might change the results.
One student astutely commented that the weight of the butter does cause toast to land butter side down more often. The data collected was mixed. Try it out at home with real buttered toast sometime and let me know how it goes. The children loved the experiment. As you can see by pictures of student work, there is some great scientific thinking going on in Mrs. Frisbee and Mrs. DiSilvestro's classes.
Speaking of Mrs. Frisbee, I met her beautiful daughter, Charlotte last week. She is completely precious. While the students and I miss Mrs. Frisbee, I am so glad to work again with Mrs. Moncure, her long term substitute. We have worked together in several cluster classes while I've been at Kingston and she understands and meets the needs of gifted students.
Enjoy the pictures!
Students used sticky notes to write things they know change in some way, sorted them into categories, and then created generalizations about change. Generalizations for change include that change is everywhere, creates additional change, and takes time.
Gifted benchmarks included in these lessons include: Justifies reasons for opinions expressed using authentic evidence; and Expresses opinions based upon defensible analysis, synthesis, and evaluation of processes and evidence. Including benchmarks in lessons helps students develop their critical thinking and problem solving skills.
Below you can see pictures of the matter investigation where students observed dyed water, oil, and an ice cube to reinforce the concept that matter has weight. After using the story, Mac Side Up, by Bob Elsdale, to learn more about the scientific method, students dropped construction paper "buttered toast" to collect and record data on whether buttered toast lands butter side up or down more often. Students discussed how using our paper toast and real toast might change the results.
One student astutely commented that the weight of the butter does cause toast to land butter side down more often. The data collected was mixed. Try it out at home with real buttered toast sometime and let me know how it goes. The children loved the experiment. As you can see by pictures of student work, there is some great scientific thinking going on in Mrs. Frisbee and Mrs. DiSilvestro's classes.
Speaking of Mrs. Frisbee, I met her beautiful daughter, Charlotte last week. She is completely precious. While the students and I miss Mrs. Frisbee, I am so glad to work again with Mrs. Moncure, her long term substitute. We have worked together in several cluster classes while I've been at Kingston and she understands and meets the needs of gifted students.
Enjoy the pictures!