Nicole Dainty

IN

Science Sampler: Walk this way

Tue, Oct 25, 2011 8:23 PM
Effective for Teaching Scientific Literacy

I just used this lab with my 7th graders in a unit on motion, speed, velocity, acceleration, etc. I have found my students have a VERY difficult time reading graphs and interpreting data. It is a component of scientific literacy they seem to struggle with. I used a website (http://nces.ed.gov/nceskids/createagraph/) to easily make various graphs. Some easy, some challenging. I was able to assess which students in particular needed further instruction in reading graphs, and what aspects of graphing motion proved problematic for my classes as a whole. My kinesthetic learners and students with ADHD did great on this lab, and I can't wait to see how this experience translates to other activities in our unit and our unit test.

Science Sampler: The atomic dating game

Sun, Oct 09, 2011 1:57 PM
Captures Student Interest

I used this resource with my 8th graders last year, and they LOVED it. They were incredibly engaged, and were able to explain bonding among atoms much more effectively after we did this activity. I offered extra credit to students who wanted to write their own version of the play.

Making and Measuring a Model of a Salt Marsh

Tue, Oct 04, 2011 1:02 PM
Helpful Resource to Teach Accuracy & Precision

I used this resource in a unit that focused on skills scientists use - including making models, and mathematical skills. The lab was helpful for teaching accuracy and precision. In order to show students how data varies, I had them measure to the nearest tenth of a centimeter rather than the nearest centimeter.