How are things going now that it's April 17?

Gosh, can you believe it? Two weeks of class to go, then the final project presentation on exam day! That's all! I can't believe the semester has flown by sooooo fast. Since your last blog comments we've gone to Swem and learned about editing video, we've worked through several ideas about teaching "Green" and we've also done some analysis of the data from our ketchup experiment (were you surprised?). We've talked about your literature "finds" and how they might be used in teaching science and we've also practiced with the digital microscopes. You had a guest speaker, Mr. Bill Williams, on Wednesday, and did some more work with experiments and meeting that daunting SOL for every grade level "The student will INVESTIGATE . . . .". What are your thoughts?

First Blog of April!

Hi, Friends,

Even though I'm posting this on Wednesday, you'll probably be responding on Thursday or Friday. By that time, Ginny, Therese, Jenny, Kelly, and Nesli will all have taught a full lesson -- it will be the second for Ginny and Therese! Let us know what you think about the topics we've been discussing in class, but also your thoughts about the lessons you've taught (if you have). Please also consider going back to the blog after your initial comments and responding to someone else's comments.

Spring Break is coming for WJCC!! Yippee!

Best,
Juanita Jo

Thro March 20

Hi, Folks,

We've had three weeks on the calendar and almost two weeks' worth of class. In that time, you've had a snow day (wasn't that fun!), and we've done a class about questions and wait time and also a class, with activities, on the nature of science. Many of you (most of you?) are in the process of scheduling and teaching your activity, and some of you are even scheduling your circuses and learning cycle lessons. What do you want to tell us? What do you want to ask about? Looking forward to hearing from you!

Juanita Jo

February 27 --We're almost up to Spring Break!

Hi, Folks,

It's been another full week. Monday we'll take time to talk about the lessons of the past two weeks, and to discuss things that come up in your comments on this blog. Last week you turned in your rubrics and got feedback, and we did the mystery box activity that illustrated the nature of science. We talked about the Virginia Standards of Learning for Science across grades and content areas. This week we've had the session on misconceptions (Private Universe) and we did the science circus, and we'll discuss both, prepping you for upcoming assignments. So, how's it going? What are the questions foremost in your mind now? What can I do to help you? And, after you've read the emails of others, consider posting something in response (thanks to Gina, Therese, and Ginny for already doing just that!). In case you were wondering who "Songbird" is, it's me. I'll also post as jjmatk.

As always, if there is something you want to tell me or ask that you don't want to post on the Blog, please email me.

Elementary Science Ed after Four Weeks

Hi, All,

Well, we've had four weeks' worth of classes now in elementary science curriculum and instruction. Since your last blogging we've done the learning cycle lesson on batteries and bulbs, been to the Swem library to learn about videotaping, and that's not all! Tell us what has helped you, what questions you have, and any suggestions you have. I'm looking forward to seeing what our group has to say!

Welcome to Elementary Science Blog Spring 2009

Welcome all. Here's where we can talk about what's going on in elementary science education in our class and in your practicum work. Instead of emailing in a reflection on Friday, why not participate in our blog and see what we're all saying!