I can't believe we were already about to teach Lesson 6 on Minerals. Laura and I were very prepared for our lesson this past Monday. We got ready in the classroom and learned that the students had a substitute teacher today, who was extremely kind. We had been using name tags for the past few lessons, and decided that we were going to put our brains to the test. One less thing to set up!
So we realized from last week that 24 rocks and minerals were a bit too much for the students to handle. This lesson reintroduced the 12 minerals, and we wanted to make sure that they would have enough time to fully observe the majority of them. We came equipped with little cups, plates, crayons/colored pencils, as well as water droppers, and made sure that all minerals were in each egg carton. We were a bit weary with having to work with water, not knowing how the students would react, so we wanted to ensure that the students understood all the necessary steps needed within this lesson.
Before the actual investigating began, Laura and I wanted to make sure that the students remembered the important discovery they made during last week's lesson. Fortunately, many students started raising their hands, and responded by saying that rocks are made up of many different minerals, and that minerals are pure (only composed of one thing). Yay!
It was time to start observing! Laura and I decided that we should discuss all the steps that the students would perform throughout the lesson. We handed out the egg cartons of minerals stating that they would only take out mineral A out and close the cartons. Observing one mineral at a time is a great way to gather important information. Magnifying glasses and coloring utensils were distributed, and we made sure that they were prepared with journals. We then observed the first one together, and wrote on the board to show the class. They had to draw a picture of each mineral with its corresspinding color(s), record its texture, along with its smell. Laura and I then passed out cups with a small amount of water and droppers to each group after modeling that placing a few drops of water of each mineral may make it easier for them to all detect a distinctive smell.
To give them enough time to observe, we wrapped up the introduction quickly and gave the students about 25 minutes or so to collect data. They were all pretty excited to discover new information, and to actually be able to put water on the minerals. This portion of the lesson was a great success! Of course we had a few spills, but it was nothing major. Some of the students actually realized that dropping water on some of the minerals caused its colors to become more visible. Pretty cool!
Laura and I told the students that they had about 5 more minutes to observe the minerals, and to record data in their journals. We made sure to inform that it was completely okay if they did not finish recording information on all of the minerals, and to just finish the one they were working on. As the students wrapped up their observations, we began to clean up the materials. We figured that to start cleaning as the students were finishing up would give us more time to reflect on what the students had learned.
Laura and I passed out a reflection sheet to each student, and told them that they could do this individually but could discuss some ideas with their neighbors if wanted. We believed that allowing them about 5 minutes to write down what they had discovered, anything they liked or did not like about the lesson, or any questions they had would be a good discussion topic to end the lesson. We also figured that this would allow the students to practice their new vocabulary words they have been learning through their writing skills. It was a great feeling to actually see the students willing to share their thoughts with us and their classmates, along with making the distinction that all minerals are different!
I believe that our lesson was a great success, and was possibly the best one yet! We timed each portion of our lesson to make sure that enough time was distributed to each aspect. The reflection at the end of the investigation was a great idea to wrap up any new discoveries, and I think it is a good idea for future lessons (especially for next week's lesson). The overall flow of the class worked very well, and I am excited for next week to introduce the streak color test!
It sounds like you are doing a great job and your students are loving your lessons! Great job!. I really like how you gave your students the opportunity to write and talk freely about their discoveries during the lesson. The one thing I wish in our lessons is that our students had more time to write in their journals. Nice work and good luck next week!
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