We made claims about why the lightbulbs lit up when we spun the dowel or handle. |
I'm going to spread some unrelated photos from the workshop throughout this post for visual interest!
We tested different windmill designs and made claims about why they were more or less efficient than the standard design. |
We visited a "net zero" house and made claims about all the various energy transfers that were occurring. |
We made claims about how this steam engine is able to produce electricity. |
We built calorimeters and BURNED food! (for science) |
The causal story would be a gapless explanation of the science behind what exactly is happening. Once you have both pieces, activities can be created to help students put the puzzle pieces together and build a really clear understanding of all the science behind the phenomenon. The whole time the kids are using claims/evidence/reasoning to develop their thinking. And more than just the standards are being met through these activities.
We played with toys and made claims about what energy transfers/transformations were happening. |
I was able to work with some colleagues to begin working a bit on a mini-unit I'll be able to use this year when we study Electricity and circuits. The phenomenon we're using is this set of nighttime photos from NASA. (I'm not about to type out the causal story!)
Another phenomenon my causal story would explain would be one of those amazing Christmas light displays. Anything to get the kids excited, right?
I'm excited to see how it goes!
Ok, I liked looking at all of your pictures, but your post just reconfirmed that I am so not a Science Girl. LOL!! It's all I can do to cover what my kids need to know... except for animals/adaptations. That's fun. :-P
ReplyDeleteJivey
ideas by jivey
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Do you have a link to the workshops so I can check them out for next year?
ReplyDeleteI need help with Science and the amount of time I have to teach it, I have no idea how I am going to fit it all in!!
ReplyDeleteMelissa
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Wow! What an awesome workshop. I don't teach Science but it seems like this was really beneficial.
ReplyDeleteAmelia
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