Great

"Study nature, love nature, stay close to nature. It will never fail you." In this article, elementary students explore their own backyards to experience the kind of fieldwork scientists mig... See More

"Study nature, love nature, stay close to nature. It will never fail you." In this article, elementary students explore their own backyards to experience the kind of fieldwork scientists might do in order to add value to their learning about the living world around them. Fieldwork properly conceived, adequately planned, well taught and effectively followed up offers learners opportunities to develop their knowledge and skills in ways that add value to their everyday experiences in the classroom. In the future, in my class, I will use the interactive whiteboard to give my students an example of observing and teach them how to observe firstly. What's more, I will make observations charts for my students to have them know what should they do in the observations activities, like draw pictures, label, use descriptive words, organize notes, include details - color, size, and shapes, 5 senses, predictions + actual things and facts. I will post up safety poster in the classroom to build the students' safety awareness when they make observations outside as follow. "Be safe scientists when observing by: 1. Not tasting anything - we will look, smell, hear and touch only. 2. Not touching any plants and insects that we are not sure about. 3. Letting our teacher know if we have allergies to any plants or insects. 4. As scientists, we will observe carefully and use our science tools properly!" I will develop a sample journal prompt to guide the students' data collection using tools. At the end of each observation activity, I will have my students do the related Flap-book sample assessment about their observations.

Observing Life

I read an article named Observing Life in a Square this week. The authors (Rogers, M. & Steele, M., 2014), mentioned the role of fieldwork in elementary science learning. Teachers should des... See More

I read an article named Observing Life in a Square this week. The authors (Rogers, M. & Steele, M., 2014), mentioned the role of fieldwork in elementary science learning. Teachers should design science curriculum to provide opportunities for students to have outdoor learning. Students will strengthen necessary skills for effective fieldwork by observing the nature. For example, they can use science tools like a hand lens to have a direct observation on the character of grass. Making observations chart is a good way to clarify how to observe scientifically. Students can know clearly what to observe and make some records. Then, teachers encourage them to communicate with their group members. It is essential for teachers to help students learn to work like scientists. Students should know how to make and record quality observations. They will also learn how to predict the results of scientific phenomena. Making prediction using the phase “I predict ____ is a ____ because _____.” Therefore, students will learn the whole procedure of scientific observation. Assessing scientific thinking is significant and teachers can know how students learn from the observation activities. Students can be encouraged to explore their personal interests through these activities and learn scientific methods for doing research.