It amazes me how students of all ages love to make models. I had each of my students create a Tectonic Tennis Ball Model. My students loved this! As a whole, this class is very into science anyways, but this really excited them. Each child was able to create their own model which also added to the excitement, due to the fact that many times students work as a team during my science class. Each student was successful in making a model Earth; some needed more assistance than others. However, I did encounter the issue of completing this lesson in the allotted amount of time. I had only planned on this instructional plan taking two science periods. However, after being interrupted by a fire drill, I was forced to take three periods for this lesson. I found that the students were very interested in the topic and had many questions, which was nice! After completing this lesson, I must admit that I am very happy with the results. I feel that my students have a deep understanding of tectonic plates and their movements. I also feel that the students enjoyed themselves and had FUN learning.
Hello!
ReplyDeleteIt's always wonderful to hear when students are excited and engaged in a lesson; despite the unplanned interruption, it sounds like the students had fun! Amy
Hi Jennifer,
ReplyDeleteI can commiserate with you, some lessons take just a little longer that we anticipate. But it seems like your students were engaged and that they enjoyed the lesson. This will lead to students remembering the lesson and the content better.
Jennifer,
ReplyDeleteMy model lesson lasted far longer than I had anticipated, but I am so glad I allowed for this time. I learned that students, when left to creating, use more problem solving and critical thinking skills than any other activity. I skipped a math and writing lesson to make more time for my students' models, but reconciled this in the end when I saw just how engaged they all were--and how well they had applied a clear understanding of the objectives to the models they built.
Janie
Jennifer,
ReplyDeleteModeling activities can feel very hectic (for the teacher!) when you are trying to get them done within a certain time frame. I'm still winded in retrospect when I think how I managed to get the group I worked with through their activity in one 45 minute period. Thank goodness they had been well prepared in advance of my arrival!
I do enjoy them though, as do the students, and they remember them. That's what's really important, I believe.
Eileen