Round 1: Mendelian Genetics and Punnett Squares
This round took place literally two weeks after I took over the 8th grade periods. I had been teaching the seniors and two 9th grade classes up until that point. I decided to find a lesson on Punnett squares that the students would like and what I thought would suit a rounds observation. I think it sits in the top three lessons where I bombed the hardest. It wasn’t that the students weren’t interested, but more that they couldn’t connect to the core goal because I didn’t adapt the worksheets I used. Much has been learned since.
Edward Chen – UPCS Rounds Sheet 12.8.15
Round 1 Video: Gummi Bear Genetics
Round 2: Quadrat Samples and Biodiversity
My second rounds observation took place really early on in a unit on biodiversity. We had been learning about how you can measure biodiversity in meaningful ways but there are limitations to each method. I wanted to introduce and engage them through the species sampling tool and connect it to real life ecology work and a previous lesson on moths.
Edward Chen – UPCS Rounds Sheet 2.23.16
Round 3: Bridge Building and Blueprints
My final round process worked out pretty well because it was in the middle of blueprint making for the bridges that the students are constructing. I have improved considerably in my lesson planning process and my ability to think of what the students and I are doing at any point. I have made it clear that my expectations are that they complete the blueprint before they are allowed to build. It reflects a real life skill that I elaborated on in subsequent lessons. I had provided a few examples of blueprints, how to make them, and described the tests that will be put on them.
Edward Chen – UPCS Rounds Sheet 4.12.16
Next Up: Rounds Reflections