Maria (Dede)
Forum Replies Created
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Maria (Dede)Participant
@Kristin Thank you for the information. That sounds like the way to go. I have created teacher accounts for students to use with other science related projects. Thank you for sharing.
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Maria (Dede)ParticipantThat sounds like a great idea to look at moth data and light pollution to see how moth populations are affected by light pollution. I really enjoy watching moths and butterflies in the wild, and I have tried planting gardens to attract them. Unfortunately, I know that the night lights on our porches, the street lights, and all the other light pollution must negatively impact these creatures, but I would like to see the data.
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Maria (Dede)ParticipantI really enjoyed the eBird presentation, as well. It is so great that the students can access the data without an account to be able to compare and contrast and analyze the data.
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Maria (Dede)ParticipantI researched Budburst and the phenology and climate project to help answer the question, "How is climate change affecting plant phenology?". One is required to have a Budburst account and log in and report observations with a handheld device or a printable worksheet. To be able to join, one must be over 13 years old. If you join, you can click on the DATA link and see data from a region, a plant group, or an observation type. One can download data as an excel or csv file. My students could use Budburst data to create graphs and look for trends.
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Maria (Dede)ParticipantThe "Story of the day" is a great idea to foster reflection and help memories stick.
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Maria (Dede)Participant
@Kristin Thank you. I cannot take credit for the PowerPoint or lesson. It was created by some anonymous teacher out there and got passed on to me. However, I have found that this is a great lesson and loads of fun. It also breaks the ice so students start talking and laughing together. So thanks to whomever made it.
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Maria (Dede)ParticipantI really like your idea of using sketching to help students pay attention to details and ask questions. I have done this with students when we have observed onion cells under the microscope while studying mitosis, but I would like to incorporate more sketching in class.
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Maria (Dede)ParticipantI haven't used the I Wonder board yet, but I am excited to try it out in the future.
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Maria (Dede)Participant"Open ended questions" are important. Practice is also key.
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Maria (Dede)Participant
@Jon Javier This is a great squirrel photo. Finding out how their populations affect other populations of different species in the area is interesting.
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Maria (Dede)ParticipantI am also interested in squirrels and their local diet.
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Maria (Dede)ParticipantWow! Taking pictures at night is a challenge.
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Maria (Dede)ParticipantI really like that you mentioned we have to "show our enthusiasm". Students are often not motivated but if a teacher is enthusiastic about a lessor or activity, it often helps students find their own enthusiasm.
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Maria (Dede)Participant"Modeling" the behavior we expect is always important, so yes, I agree that modeling "asking questions and making observations" is vital.
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Maria (Dede)ParticipantGiving students "opportunities to observe" is very important, and I agree with you on this. Our days are so rushed and the requirements for curriculum are well defined. However, taking a few minutes here and there and on field trips and outings for observation is very important.
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Maria (Dede)Participant
@Pam Yes, I agree that it is "calming" to "slow down" and listen. Helping students find ways to be calm is also important in addition to the science aspect.
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Maria (Dede)ParticipantI agree with you that the longer I kept at the activity, the more there was to listen to. I think that my focus became more intense, and I was able to cancel out other distractions as time went on.
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Maria (Dede)ParticipantYes, I agree that this activity helped with "scientific focus". Trying to help students focus on non-activity is often difficult.
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Maria (Dede)ParticipantI agree with you that "gifted students" like to be "in charge", and this often "motivates" them. Using different skills from different students for motivation is a good strategy.
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Maria (Dede)ParticipantI agree with you that "An important piece is that not everything is going to work". Students need to learn that with science, the experiment often fails to support the hypothesis, or simply fails. Observations often take days or weeks to collect.