Jill Williams

TX

Tue, Nov 19, 2019 9:10 PM
Waves Sound Great

It is easy to take sound for granted. It is all around us all the time. Knowing how sound works and what makes things have a sound is intrical to everyday life. This article explores a 7E 1st grade science lesson on sound. The 5E lesson model is vastly used in curriculum instruction, but I have rarely seen a 7E model used. This article defines how to incorporate all 7E’s into a multi-faceted and highly engaging lesson on how sound is made. First graders will tap into background knowledge, acquire new information, and then be able to synthesize and create in a culminating activity. The authors here give explicit details of each part of the lesson and the reasons behind the planning. This is a multi-sensory and highly kinesthetic lesson for sure!

Engineering Encounters: Cookie Jar Alarms

Mon, Nov 18, 2019 9:10 PM
Engineering Encounters: Cookie Jar Alarms

Who knew 1st graders could code a robot and complete an engineering design activity all in one lesson! This article displays a fascinating and engaging science lesson that ties literature, science, technology, and engineering into one lesson. Students learn what an engineer is and the fact that they can be one too! The authors here depict an enriching lesson that takes students through the entire engineering design process to solve a rea-l life problem of how to catch a cookie thief. Students embark on solving a problem while the teacher intentionally guides and facilitates towards “engineering” a solution. The article gives vivid examples and pictures of student work and explicitly states the learning outcomes achieved at the culmination of the lesson. Bravo!

Mon, Nov 18, 2019 8:35 PM
Designing a Tiered Science Lesson

This article shows step by step how to set up a differentiated tiered instruction lesson. It gives very clear instructions on what ideas and concepts to think through when developing this type of instructional plan. There are tables and diagrams showing examples of exactly how the author created a very detailed differentiated lesson. The basic concept being taught was the same for both groups, but the level of complexity within that topic was matched to the student’s learning level. Tiered lessons should be intentional and built on the needs of your students. The teacher will need to know what the curriculum goals are and where students are in reaching those goals. Preparing engaging activities to meet the needs of differing levels provides opportunities for success and learning for all students. The use of a pre-assessment and exit ticket is a beneficial way to see if learning at the appropriate level is occurring. This article displays a perfect example of a tiered and differentiated science lesson.