2nd Observation

On my second observation I returned to Mrs. Hoffek's room.  She had advanced 6th grade science and their lesson for the day was called "Ball Drop."  The purpose of this was to observe the difference between potential and kinetic energy.  They were given a worksheet and were to complete the steps of the scientific method such as the variables, hypothesis, data, and conclusions.  In order to do this we went to the science lab for their experiment.  The students were assigned to a lab table where they were in groups of 3.  They were to hold a tennis ball at 35 cm and drop it and record the bounce height.  Then they had to repeat these steps for drop heights of 50, 65, and 80 cm.  After the experiment we went back to the classroom and viewed "Types of Energy" on the smartboard.  A Brain Pop video was also shown relating to energy followed by a quiz.  After the quiz there was a fill in the blank activity on the smartboard where the students were sent up to the board to write in the correct answers.  This was a good way to get the students involved and have class participation. 

1st Observation

My first observation was on February 14 and I observed in 2 classrooms.  First I went to Mrs. Hoffek's 7th grade life science class.  Her classroom is well decorated with posters and pictures covering the wall and she has a smartboard, tv, and a computer at her desk.  She tries to use her smartboard as much as possible with her 6th and 7th grade classes.  During my visit Mrs. Hoffek showed Brain Pop on the smarboard which is an animated educational site for kids.  The Brain Pop was about immunity, diseases in the body, antibiotics, etc.  After the video was shown there was a quiz given on the smarboard.  It was 10 questions and I participated.  My next class I went to was Mrs. Smith's 8th grade English 1.  They were in the library doing a lesson on website evaluation.  First there was a powerpoint presentation and then the students were sent to computers with a worksheet to complete.  They had to research 3 main areas, authority, currentness, and content to see how credible the website was.  The teachers were welcoming and I will most likely return to their classes next time I do my observations.