Alicia Krause
UMBC
MD

Sizing Up the Solar System

Thu, Sep 29, 2011 12:55 PM
Importance of Distance

I think it is very hard for young students to grasp the scale of the universe in comparison to us and the Earth. I agree with her that certain models do not emphasize on the distance between planets and the real scale. She gives great classroom ideas which starts with a preassesment that simply asks of their prior knowledge. Then when engaging in the actual lesson he gives detailed instructions of how to explain to the students how far away each planet is. The only thing I slightly do not like about this article is how structured he is, there is not much room to teach the way you want to. But overall, I think this is a great start to explain the "new model".

Guest Editorial: Minds, Models, and Maps

Thu, Sep 29, 2011 12:44 PM
Illustrations are more important than we think

Wesson, the author of this article, clearly explains how important illustrations, models, and maps are in order for students to get a better understanding of the text. He makes good points when he says students can get creative with these illustrations and they can better grasp things like how big Earth is compared to other planets. The fact that I agree with him the most is that everyone visualizes for reading in order to get a better understanding. I know when I read I always put a picture in my mind of what I just read. If the kids do that and also see an illustration I think they can compare each illustration which will lead to a better understanding of the text. He concluded with how to incorproate illustrations in the assignments, which is benefical for all teachers!