To understand any scientific problem, you need data. To discuss potential solutions to scientific problems, you need data. And ultimately, to solve any scientific problems, you need data.
Data may not be fun as solo numbers and information with units, but what the data can do is where the real fun begins. And when students can work to solve real problems with data, or collect their own data in the field, or participate with scientists in collecting data, that's when they'll start to see science come alive too!
In my Thermal Biology course, I developed a water cycle program for elementary students that utilized temperature data in a virtual field trip activity. In the summer edition of Science & Children, a project involving collecting data is featured for grades 4-6, called "Designing Payloads." The students worked with a local university to create a payload that collects temperature, relative humidity, and/or light intensity data in the atmosphere. Prior to coming up with their own design, the teacher worked with students to teach them how to use a data logger. When the construction of the payload was complete, the students with university scientists launched the payload, tracking it with a GPS unit. Wow!
As seen with this project, data collection, explanation and analysis can be a time-consuming project in the classroom with students. But because it can be very worthwhile if done in creative ways, I'm wondering how often data is used in the classroom to conduct science investigations vs. being reviewed by students online to only see science data?
I'm enjoying your science blog.. I was thinking of a suggestion I send your way instead of just a ditzy comment. Have you thought of packaging a how-to experiment in a blog? I have not been through all of your posts of course, but if you have not done it before you could basically lay out needed materials, instructions, expected results, explanations, etc... I have a little nephew and my brother is getting him in to science, it would be cool to come across experiments in your field or others you find cool in your blog, sort of a getting kids into science thing... Or even a post about science you can do with kids with links to material like that would be awesome. Take care!
ReplyDeleteI like your natural history oriented metaphors for all your blogs.
ReplyDeleteIf you ever decide to move and still want fireflies move south. In Atlanta, they come out in early May and usually are around at least through September.
Impressive blog - you obviously spent a great deal of time on your topics and blogs. Yours has set a standard for me and I plan to take another look at mine to see where mine needs improvement. I have spent so much time troubleshooting this summer I lost out on actually being able to utilize all that I have learned. Thank you for setting such a good example.
ReplyDeleteI'm absolutely flattered and so grateful for your feedback. So many times in life we determine our purpose from the affirmations of others, and your commentary has helped remind me to follow my true calling. Thank you!
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