We Made It!

I can't believe the semester is over. This has been the most difficult semester in my college years. Not only was I taking 6 major courses, I lost one of the most important people in my life a week before midterms. Dealing with all of life's issues can be very hard, but you have to push through. I would like to thank Dr. Smirnova for helping me throughout that hard time and being so understanding. At times it was extremely difficult, but I made it, and very much looking forward to Summer. 

Looking back, when I first walked in to Dr. Smirnova's Science and Technology Methods course I was a ball of anxiety. Many people had told me this was the most challenging course they had ever taken. Hearing this got me more worked up because I was taking both Social Studies Methods and Science Methods with Dr. Smirnova this semester. Coming out of these courses, I am extremely happy with the goals I have accomplished. Nothing ever comes easy, and I think these courses are a prime example of that. I worked very hard in these courses, and from the projects I have presented, lessons I have taught, and live binders I am completing, I can see the changes in myself. I'm very proud of what I accomplished this semester amidst life's challenges. I would like to thank Dr. Smirnova for being a teacher that pushes her students. I am coming out of this course with so much new knowledge. I am so happy I took this course right before I student teach in the Fall, because I have many added tools to my teacher tool box from this course! I am looking forward to reflecting on this course this Summer as I prepare for student teaching in the Fall. 

Enjoy the Summer everyone! 

Sign Here!

Today in class we created a petition! It was fun and exciting! We all came prepared having watched the documentary Home. We then created our arguments for the petition. There were two different groups but our statements were similar. Both groups were expressing the urgency of saving our planet, that is quickly deteriorating.  

After each group created their arguments, we created a joint statement for our petition. Next we created an actual petition on Change.org. This was very exciting, because this is something we could do in our own classrooms. It shows students that they can make an impact. It is also important because these are the people of the next generation, and we have to ability to teach them how to be good citizens and to protect our earth. 

Here is the link to our petition, if you would like to join in the fight and sign our petition. 

Building up our Technology Teach Toolbox

From the start of this semester, Dr. Smirnova stressed the importance of technology, and how much we would be using it. I was apprehensive at first because I am not that tech savy. Coming out of this course I am confident, and I enjoy all of the resources technology can provide to us. Right from the start, we were building our technology tool box with our about me projects. We learned about 30 new technology sites that, over the course of the semester, we became very confident with. Even better was most of these sites had a free option. The free option fit our needs just fine. Dr. Smirnova also gave us her personal access to some sites. It was great to become familiar with these sites without the cost, so one day when we have our own classrooms we can know which sites we may want to bring in. I had never heard of glogster, now I use it for everything! I learned how useful vokis and word clouds are. I also learned how to use sites like powtoon and voice over sites. All of these engaging and unique sites are key to having a successful 21st century classroom. 

This video provides great insight on the importance of creating a technological classroom. In this day and age, it is so important to have a digital classroom. Students today were born into technology, and can better their learning by learning through a digital environment. I am so excited to take what I learned in this class and embark on my adventure in creating a digital classroom for my students. 

Science Projects!

We have completed many different science projects! We have completed space projects, climate change projects, marine life projects. Throughout these projects, we have used many different types of technology. We learned new technology sites that, over the course of the semester, we became very confident with. Even better was most of these sites had a free option. The free option fit our needs just fine. Dr. Smirnova also gave us her personal access to some sites. It was great to become familiar with these sites without the cost, so one day when we have our own classrooms we can know which sites we may want to bring in. I had never heard of glogster, now I use it for everything! I learned how useful vokis and word clouds are. I also learned how to use sites like powtoon and voice over sites. All of these engaging and unique sites are key to having a successful 21st century classroom. Some of my projects are below! 

Trade Book Talk!

For my trade book I used the book Ecosystems Around the World This book is considered a reference book, and provides great details about all different ecosystems found all over the world. The book starts off introducing what an ecosystem is, and then has the reader travel all over the world experiencing different ecosystems. I really enjoyed the glossary in the back of the book, and thought it would be very helpful to struggling students. The book has both animated pictures and real pictures that are very helpful to the reader. These pictures give the reader a better sense of what the given ecosystem is like. Another aspect of the book I love is that in each ecosystems description, it provides details on human interaction, and how we can do our part to help maintain, and sustain these environments.

This trade book would be extremely useful in our class this year. Some of our students at Bishop Dunn Memorial School read this book. It first introduces what an ecosystem is, which would be helpful to the previous field work groups that taught what an ecosystem is. Next, the book explains different types of ecosystems in different areas around the world. This would be helpful to the other field work groups that taught about different ecosystem environments. My fieldwork group, group 4, used this book with our model pond lesson. We showed students what ecosystem their model pond would most closely resemble. The amount of facts this book contains is immeasurable. There are many real-life accounts that make this book that much more personal to the reader. Some misconceptions this book can help to correct is that there is not one ecosystem that the entire world can live under. There are many different conditions that vary to help plants and animals survive.

With this trade book, I would have students created a replica ecosystem on any of the ecosystems found in the book. The students can use any form of media for their creation, such as, clay, paper, figures, popsicle sticks etc. The students will then be able to walk around and visit different ecosystems around the world based on their peers creation.

Here is my book trailer link! Hope you enjoy it!

You Read it Here First!

This week we completed individual projects on science in the news. Using the site NewsELA, I found 8 Astronomy articles to research. NewsELA is an awesome site that contains articles on any category. I also this site because you can decrease or increase the lexile level of the articles. It will be a great tool for when we are in our student teaching placements, or even when we have our own classrooms.


Using glogster, I created a collage of my chosen articles. Glogster is another great tool to use for teachers. It is a nice change from the same old powerpoint presentation. I found my articles very interesting, and really enjoy learning about space science. One article that I found very interest was the light pollution article. I have been going to Maine since I was about three years old. I live on Long Island, which is very crowded, with tons of lights. Whenever I went/go to Maine, I am in awe of the sky. There seems to be a blanket of stars, thousands more than the sky on Long Island. In the past years, the sky in Maine, still covered in stars, seemed to be a little darker. This is due to the light pollution that is now reaching this part of our country. It is imperative that we learn new ways to deal with our unhealthy habits. Here is the link to my glogster.

Using a class powerpoint, we each created slides based on a topic of our chosen, regarding space. I chose constellations. This is another part of space that i just find amazing. How is it possible that we can connect these stars to make beautiful images. Here is the link to our class power point.

Pre-Assessment and Post-Assessment

Pre-Test and Post-Test

We conducted both a pre-test and a post-test in our fieldwork experience. I have learned so much about the importance of both assessments. The pre-test is used to assess what the students already know about the topic we are teaching. From the results of that pre-test, the teacher can then revise her lesson plan to cater to the needs of all her students. The teacher then teaches the objectives set out for her throughout the unit plan. After the unit plan, the teacher administers a post-test. The post test is a guide to see how well the students retained and learned the information. It is also a guide for the teacher. The teacher can reflect on her teaching and see what he/she may need to change in the future. I enjoyed the article, Pretests; Importance and Uses of Pretests, on the benefits of creating and administering pretests. Pretests can be extremely beneficial for not only the teacher, but also the student.

I enjoyed this video on pre-tests and post-tests. It shows that after completing the pre-tests, students can set goal for themselves. The goals can push the students to better themselves throughout the lesson, and ace the post-test.

Puzzling Jigsaw Method on Climate

We experienced the jigsaw learning method today in class. This is where there are groups of students, and then each student is assigned to a topic. The students then break into sub groups based on topics. These groups become expert groups on their topics. It is a fun and different approach to group work. 

This video is very helpful, and informative. The video shows history, the structure, and tips for teachers. The video goes on to say "increases student engagement, encourages collaboration, and results in better learning. " I enjoyed this learning environment, and feel it would work well in my classroom. I believe students would enjoy being an expert and teaching their peers. 

We used this method to teach about climate. My expert group was climate change. It was helpful to have Dr. Smirnova's husband there to guide us, since he is so well-versed in this topic. Here is the link to my presentation, and the picture can be found below.

Post-Science Fair Debrief at BDMS

We went in to the science teacher, Mrs. Foster-Faith's, classroom at Bishop Dunn Memorial School. She was the teacher who ran the science fair. I loved her enthusiasm towards science and especially loved her shirts! She was a fun and caring teacher, and that goes miles in the classroom. 

In our brief meeting, she accomplished the 5E's. She stressed the importance of using that in that classroom. I enjoyed how she stated she never writes lesson plans. That has been a part of education that I stress about. Having to make a lesson plan for every single lesson seems like a lot, and she said that definitely doesn't happen. 

Mrs. Foster-Faith asked us what we thought of the science fair. I said I enjoyed it, but, I wish it didn't have to fall at such a busy time for me. I had a lot to do, and then to add a science fair project on to it was a lot. On the other hand, I think the BDMS students really enjoyed it. When I went to the science fair, all of the kids were excited, and eager to present their projects. I agree with Mrs. Foster-Faith that there should be guidelines. 

Overall, I enjoyed our meeting with Mrs. Foster-Faith. I enjoyed her insight, and her inviting spirit. She ended our meeting with saying, "If you ever need anything, come on over." I thought that was really nice, and I know she really meant it. 

Science Fair

For my science fair project, I did Candy Chromatography. I was very excited for the science fair, and remember how much I loved the science fair when I was in elementary school. For my project, I was researching the dyes found in a green M&M and a green Skittle. Using water and coffee filters, I was able to see the dye colors in both of these candies. I found out the M&M had green, yellow, and blue. The Skittle had more green and yellow. Below is the picture to my science fair board, and a few close ups of the results. 

My favorite part of the science fair was the 5th graders. They used their model ponds we had created for their lesson as their science fair project. When I went up to them, they were so eager to tell me all about their projects. They also knew so much content on their ponds! It was another great moment that showed all of the hard and extra work we were putting into this lesson, was paying off. 

I read the article The Value of a Science Fair Project. Some of the important benefits were that is so much more than just science, it is cross curriculum, it also promotes students practice their social skills since they are presenting their topics to visitors. I think the science fair is very important, and more schools should make it a prioity. However, after meeting the Mrs. Foster-Faith, I feel it is important to set guidelines for all students. 

Our Turn!

My fieldwork group was group 4. We decide to complete a big undertaking, and build model pond ecosystems with the 5th graders. At first the teachers weren't very into, which, at first it was a lot to handle. Hearing that there will be mosquito fish, and dragonfly nymphs in your classroom is a bit overwhelming. Dr. Smirnova and the education department bought a model pond kit, that came with many resources. This kit and it's contents were extremely useful! For our direct, inquiry, and cooperative lessons, we incorporated this theme into our lessons. It was extremely challenging to combine both 5th grade students and live aquariums, but I think we accomplished our goal. Our lessons were a bit different than the other groups due to the fact that we were incorporating living things which was a time sensitive matter.
We taught our direct lesson two days out of our regular Tuesday/Thursday class period. When we went in to teach the first day, there was much excitement in the room. Being that the students knew we were going to be making "Classroom pets" they were ecstatic. I couldn't believe how well behaved the students were, they followed the directions and were helping each other. I enjoyed seeing this. It was definitely organized chaos! 

The picture above shows myself working with one of the groups. They worked well together, and we made a role sheet, so each team member got to do a specific part of the set up. This was helpful and alleviated fighting. The students all really enjoyed the lessons. We made the lessons hands on and minds on. Everything could be related back to the ponds. This helped the students build on the independence. If they had a question, they knew they could find the answer in their "Table Top Pond Guide." This lesson was extremely interactive, the students were able to watch their ponds grow. I think everyone involved enjoyed it! It was a lot of work, but when the end result is as good as this, it was worth it! 

A Snow Day Turned Virtual Day

Spring semester always seems to be a tough one. Last Spring semester it seemed as though we could not catch a break from snow, this year hasn't been too bad! Today, we were supposed to go to a fieldwork session at Bishop Dunn Memorial School. Unfortunately,  the snow had cancelled their school day. Dr. Smirnova informed us we would be having a "virtual classroom." I was not too sure about what that meant, but after experiencing this type of setting, I loved it! It was run by Dr. Smirnova via a video chat and the rest of the class was incorporated via their own video chats. I really enjoyed it. Dr. Smirnova would ask a question, and then the class would respond via chat response or voice response. The site looked like this picture below. 

This was a great experience for us to go through. In this day and age, technology is key to a classroom. Although I don't think we could use this setting with elementary school students, peers colleagues, or parents could use this service. It is another type of technology tool I have learned from Dr. Smirnova's class. Below are some screen shots from the virtual classroom day!  

Types of Assessment

All assessments are important to students learning. Assessment is a way for students to show what they have learned in their class. We learned about types of assessment this semester. There are three types of assessment. The three types are summative, formative, and diagnostic. It is our goal as teachers to not just give our students test after a unit is complete (summative), but to be checking our students understanding constantly (diagnostic). It is also important for teachers to different ways to assess their students. Not all students learn the same, likewise, not all students have the same test taking strengths. Using different forms of testing provides an equal opportunity for all students. 

diagnostic assessment is daily assessment like checks for understanding, and making sure the class is in agreement.

Formative assessment is a weekly assessment, and can be school or district wide. This is a more serious form of assessment than diagnostic. 

Summative assessment is end of the year tests or state tests. These are the most serious, and are usually bigger and more detailed than the other two.

Drawing in College? Who knew

"On the first day of my Junior year of college, I was given markers and a piece of paper and asked to draw a scientist." I never thought I would say those words, but, yes, that is just what I did. I cringed a little because I am a terrible drawer. I work at Bishop Dunn, in the after school program, and I get made fun of by 2nd and 3rd graders on a daily basis of how terrible a drawer I am. Given the said materials, we were asked to draw our version of a scientist. After we completed our master pieces, we were able to walk around and view our peers' work. It was a very fun activity, and many of our scientists shared similar characteristics. Many had goggles/glasses on, lab coats, and crazy hair.

I feel like many, not all, of my past science teachers fit the description of the scientists that I drew. Especially, Professor Schraldi, my drawing's namesake. He had this crazy hair, and these big glasses he would wear. He had a lab coat on all the time, even if we were just taken a test, and he genuinely enjoyed science and all of it's aspects. He was definitely a positive figure when looking back on my science career.

This was a great activity, and I believe you could use this with not only science and scientists, but many other subject areas. Its a great way to see into a young student's mind, and to get a better look at their interpretations as a whole.

First Day: Check!

Our first day is finished, and I am just how I thought I would be, overwhelmed! But, following my past post advice, I am taking it all in and will keep going. My mom's advice on every first day of school was, "Be like a sponge, take it all in." So of course, I did just that. Listened to everything, and let all details, small and big, seep in. Unfortunately, I still felt lost when I sat down in my dorm trying to process it all. 

Most first days go the same, syllabus, rules, expectations, and outcomes, but not in this course! On the first day we went right into learning, which I enjoyed! We started out with a "What's in the bag?" mystery game. Unknowingly we began using the scientific method to try and guess what was in the bag. Each student was given a chance to hold the bag and then make an inquiry of what could be a possible item in the bag. I think it was a very fun way of introducing a new topic to the class, and this is definitely something I will keep in mind for my future class.

Science and I have always had a love/hate relationship. Loved it in elementary school because of the hands on activities, hated it in middle school due to the courses I were required to take, and loved it in the later years of high school due to the fact that I was able to choose the course I took. Videos like the below one are the parts of science I love, and find so interesting! Its not something you can read in a textbook, its the hands on activities that I believe can help students learn.

My goal is to learn to love science, and become a better teacher of science! I want to become much more technically advance, and I know I will do so in this course.

Pre-Adventure: Newness, Nerves, & Navagation!

So, the anticipation is building to the new semester! This will be, by far, my hardest semester. That being said, I am a bag of mixed emotions! Hence, this post's name! I know I have been in tough situations before, but I have learned to deal with the newness and nerves, and navigate through those feelings to get to the positive outcome. I think this action can be used for any of life's situations. Each event that occurs in our life is something that will change us in the future. Using those negative feelings such as nerves of the newness to power through can help to navigate the "unchartered waters." So, for this extremely difficult semester, that will be my goal. Little by little, I take the good and the bad, and get through it, knowing I will come out a better and more capable person on the other side.