Reflection

Science involves many steps of investigation. Students have trouble realizing that making mistakes or not coming to a correct conclusion during science is normal. Students need to begin investigating science activities and solving different problems in early elementary school. The studies I researched focused upon hands-on activities and group work when problem solving. Students cannot learn proper science skills by listening to a teacher lecture every day and only look at textbook examples.

I would like to try having students write into a science journal this year. This would be one way I could monitor each student’s understanding of key concepts. Usually I have students reflect upon their learning at the end of each science activity, but using a journal is a way to keep all of the information together. We can refer back to it when needed.

In my classroom I refer to the scientific method for every experiment we complete. It is routinely modeled and practiced so students have a better understanding of how to investigate problems. Science is a tested area in the fourth grade. I feel a great deal of pressure during the school year to make sure my students are making adequate progress. One problem I face is that fourth grade is the first year that students study science daily. They come to me in the fourth grade and are overwhelmed by the material we cover in a matter of only a few months. I have brought this to the attention to my school principal. We are in the process of mapping our school curriculum and soon all students will study science daily.

These sites have helpful science activities or games.
Science Files - full of handouts to use during science investigations
Engineering
Survivor Games