Lili Zheng
UMBC
MD

Sizing Up the Solar System

Thu, Oct 17, 2013 12:21 PM
Sizing Up the Solar System

In the article of Well-integrated curriculum and activities, the writer takes readers on a ride through the solar system. This article highlights how teachers can help students use the model to understand the distance between and arrangement of the solar system planets. This article is really valuable to read especially for elementary teachers and students. On the one hand, it introduces a very novel teaching method, such as the use of a model. With the help of using the model, students can better understand and better memorize the curriculum. On the other hand, it helps students exercise their abilities by enabling them to find answers by themselves. In short, this article successfully integrates curriculum and activities, and should not be overlooked.

Earth and Space Science

Thu, Oct 17, 2013 12:16 PM
Earth and Space Science

If you are on path of becoming an elementary school science teacher, reading this article is a smart choice! This article demonstrates the fields of earth and space science that meet the required elementary school teaching standards. It not only provides the knowledge framework for 2-6 grade students and teachers, but also offers examples for educators to guide their students to meet the standards. This article is outstanding at providing many realistic examples for teachers and students to reference. It helps both teachers and students better understand curriculum content instead of just memorizing abstract concepts. It also helps teachers accurately grasp the scope of the curriculum. Another remarkable aspect of the article is that it provides many pictures. Those pictures help teachers and students catch the core contents easily. However, the article can be improved by adding some narratives, because children tend to be attracted by stories. Overall, this article is really worth reading, and is especially valuable for both elementary students and teachers.