Monthly Archives: October 2015

Reading Fix-Ups Strategies for Better Lab Experiences

InTASC 1, InTASC 2, InTASC 7, , , ,

Mr. Smith talks to our students about reading techniques on a regular basis.  We have only a classroom set of textbooks for Chemistry I, so we don’t request required reading of them very often.  However, we do ask them to preview a chapter after an exam, or when there is time after laboratories.    When we ask students to read the textbook, we give them specific techniques with which to preview the text:

1) Look at the pictures and figures first.

2) Read any boldface vocabulary words.

3) Skim for key phrases/vocabulary.

4) Read for content.

We give them a specific reading technique, because reading a science text is not as straightforward or easy, as reading for leisure is.

Continue reading Reading Fix-Ups Strategies for Better Lab Experiences →

Problem-Based Learning: Unit Plan

InTASC 10, InTASC 2, InTASC 3, InTASC 4, InTASC 5, InTASC 6, InTASC 7, InTASC 8, , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Students complain that school isn’t relatable.  Employers complain that we don’t generate problem solvers.  Problem Based Learning answers the complexities of both of these issues in one fell swoop, all the while being aligned to state curriculum standards.

53d971354306a.image

Alexandria received a grant of $335,000 from the state of Indiana as part of the Hardest Hit Fund Blight Elimination Program to help with the demolition of eyesore properties around town.  The question remains: was this a good deal for the city?  A slideshow outlining the entire project may be viewed at: https://www.emaze.com/@AFRWRLTW/razed-and-rising

Continue reading Problem-Based Learning: Unit Plan →