In the Science astronomy unit students are asked to consider the ethical implications of space travel. As a class they discussed the issues, and used jigsaw and think-pair- share to explore a variety of issues. They narrowed the list of issues down to technological issues, health issues (physical and mental) and resource issues. They then looked on-line at the Mars One project (a one way trip to mars in 2023 that may or may not be a hoax).
A student reflects on experiences that changed his goals and aspirations.
This excerpt is part of a longer interview with a student who talked about his experiences and the events that shaped him as a learner. In looking back, he recounts the challenges he experienced in his early high school years, when he did not want to be at school, avoided completing any work, and had no connection to school. He explains the impact of receiving an award as most improved student, and the teachers who gave him options to use his strengths to represent what he knew.
This excerpt is taken from a student’s memoir. Students were asked to write about a significant life experience using dialogue. The project was launched with a brainstorming activity. The teacher also provided a rubric to guide development, revision, and self-assessment.
In her memoir, the student fully brings her audience into her “sky diving” experience.
At the end of an optics unit, students created a video as a culminating activity. Their teacher provided the following instructions:
Use your observations to draw conclusions and change variables. For each picture you took you will do the following things in your video:
This lesson is called Save Fred! Fred’s boat has capsized and he needs the students’ help to get his life preserver on, which is under the boat. The students are given regular paper clips and they can only use those tools to help Fred. The surface of their desks is the ocean and Fred cannot fall in. This is a great team building and problem solving activity. The students collaboratively discuss and plan their rescue. After the mission the students review their plan and see where they could make changes or what ideas they could try again.
The student asked if she could teach her classmates how to make handprint turkeys. Using classroom materials, she got them all started and supported and supervised their work. Throughout the session she was quick to support others’ ideas and assist them when they had questions.