Before students
The school year is almost here and I have a new project to test out. Over the summer I spent 6 weeks participating in the RET (research experiences for teachers) program. I developed a river model that can be used to demonstrate water quality and fish behavior. I want to try a number of different experiments using it. It does take up a lot of room I think it will be worth it.
Students arrive
This year the goal is "strategic design" and "problem based learning". While the approach is not totally knew it does require some modification of my existing lesson plans.
Our first project is our water properties and issues project. Students chose and demonstrate one of the properties of water. They can demonstrate in class or video tape their demonstration and show that to the class. They also have to engage the class through questioning, mini demonstration for each group, or survey. It should be very interesting.
Along with demonstrations students have to connect the property to the aquatic environment. This seems to be the hardest part of the project. Tried explaining things a little different this time - so we will see tomorrow
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