Spotlight on Learning - Finding Engagement in Life Science 11
Presented by Janelle Dick
TEACHER REFLECTION:Every class I hope to see students lean into the learning and take risks to present their newly discovered knowledge in creative ways.These are a few examples of lessons that engaged the students in a noticeable way.
Students were asked to create four types of viruses using a random box of supplies.Throughout this activity, even reluctant learners participated, and the result was a more memorable lesson and relaxing teaching experience. After the models were assembled, I roamed the room and asked each student to verbally name the parts and functions represented in their structure as an on-the-spot assessment for learning. Any errors or omissions in the student’s understanding were quickly corrected by our conversation and I knew if they were ready to move on to the next topic.
Connecting Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) in Indigenous Creation stories with Western Science. Students were given the opportunity to use the organisms represented in an Indigenous Creation story of their choice to show TEK and connections to Evolution. Students were also allowed to represent their learning in different formats including Essay or Slideshow.
