Audrey Ward - Elementary Science Blog

 Week 6:  This week, we learned more about all of the different ecosystems and the predators and levels in each of them. We also got to look at the caterpillars and see they were in the pupa stage of their life cycles. We also saw how much our fast plants have grown in the past two weeks. We then took bees to pollinate the plants. I learned that bees have a pollen basket, which is what touches the flowers/plants to pollinate them. Lastly, we learned about different ways that turtles' survival is affected. We talked about the various human impacts and natural impacts. I learned that only 0.01% of turtles survive and make it into the ocean to live their lives. It was 1/1000 turtles.  What I learned relates to what I already knew because I knew that bees pollinate the plants in our ecosystems, which relates to learning more about how they do this with their pollen baskets. I also knew that many species, like turtles, face many challenges due to natural and human factors. How...

          This week, we reviewed the 5E model from week 4, which helped me better understand the components and how they can work together effectively. We discussed the teacher vs. student roles for each model component. I really appreciated this review and being able to break it down more. We also learned that the food chains represent a simple and linear energy flow. We discussed the differences between biomes, ecosystems, and habitats. One thing that I learned that really stood out to me was how dolphins catch fish by stirring up mud in a circle to make them jump straight into their mouths. This was interesting because I had never heard of it before.      I could relate much of what we learned to my prior knowledge because we learned about the 5E model last week, and I have already learned about ecosystems and food chains in previous classes. Still, it was good to distinguish the differences between biomes, ecosystems, and habitats. Someth...

     This week, I learned about the 5Es (engage, explore, explain, elaborate, and evaluate) and how they can be applied in the classroom. I can relate this to my prior knowledge because some parts are similar to inquiry-based learning and student-centered teaching. I found the "engage" phase super clear as it introduces the topics and sparks curiosity. I can apply the 5E model to my future teaching by using it to design my lessons and ensure that all 5Es are incorporated. Including this model in my future teaching will help me make my lessons more engaging and creative.  Reflection Questions:  a. What happens during the engage phase of this lesson? How do these activities relate to the function of the engage phase? During the engage phase, the teacher asks the students questions about honeybees to pique their curiosity about the topic and learn how much background knowledge they already have. This relates to the function of the engage phase, as it helps the stud...

     In lab this week we started by looking at our germinated seeds from week 2 and looked at their growth. We also made a 3d model of a life cycle. Anja and I chose to do the life cycle of a plant. The last activity we did was planting fast plants to monitor the growth over a few weeks. From these activities, I learned how most plants have a very similar life cycle and also more information about the life cycle of a butterfly. In addition to life cycles, we learned the differences between complete and incomplete cycles.      I was able to relate what I already know to the butterflies life cycle because in elementary school we watched and monitored the cycle of butterflies for a unit. We made an ecosystem for the butterflies to live in. They came to our school as caterpillars and we got to see them turn into butterflies in person. I loved this unit as a child because it was so interesting to me.           I can apply what we le...