Group Two Inquiry Lesson

For their inquiry lesson, group two had the students create a leprechaun trap. But first, they began by reviewing what they had taught. I feel that the review was very clear and prepared the students for their activity. The teachers also replayed the Simple Machines song which I thought was a great idea since the students enjoyed it so much the first time!

The students then had to create a trap to catch the leprechaun. They could use any of the six simple machines to draw their trap, but they needed to include a wedge, an inclined plane, or a screw. 

I loved how creative the problem was, and it was clear that the students loved it too! The teachers thought that they were too rowdy, but personally, I feel that they were just so excited. I loved seeing the inventions that the students came up with because they were so creative. 

Group two did an amazing job for both lessons, and I hope that my group can follow in their footsteps next week!

Group Two Direct Lesson

Yesterday group two began their week of instruction. They started off with a very well taught direct lesson. This week the focus was on an inclined plane, a wedge, and a screw. 

I felt the group's lesson was set up in a very clear manner. When teaching each simple machine they followed the same process every time. Their process consisted of going over the definition, showing a video, providing the students with examples, and then going over a rap. 

I loved how this group incorporated music and raps/poems into their lesson. The students loved the song and it was so impressive to watch how quickly they learned the song! I felt this group was very creative in their teaching, and I loved the methods that they used! My only wish for the lesson was that there was a little more guided practice to ensure that the students really grasped the concepts. 

Group two had an amazing direct lesson, and I can not wait to see what inquiry brings!

Group One Inquiry Lesson

Today I got to witness my first inquiry lesson! 

Group one started their inquiry lesson by reviewing what they had taught in their direct lesson. They then introduced their problem and told the class that an elephant had fallen out of the rail car and they needed the students to help to get him back in. The students then had to create a blueprint of an invention using at least 2 simple machines to get the elephant back into the cart. They then gave the students 20 minutes to work. After the time was up they had the students present their inventions. The students then had to write a letter to the ringleader to describe the invention that they created. 

I felt this lesson was very creative and well thought out. I was confused about exactly what an inquiry lesson was, and this group really clarified my confusions. I enjoyed how the group explained the problem and got the students engaged. My only wish for the lesson was for the teachers to model exactly what they expected of the students.

Overall I felt this was an amazing first inquiry lesson, and I can not wait to see what the other groups come up with!

Group One Direct Lesson

On Tuesday, March 5th group one did their first lesson. This lesson was a direct one, and it was the first one that I had observed. I did not know what to expect, but I  feel that the group did a great job of introducing the simple machines. Their direct instruction was clear and I loved how they introduced the topics.

One plus that I had for the lesson was that I enjoyed how they went about introducing the topic. They had a very broad topic and trying to condense that into a lesson seemed to be a hard task that the group handled with grace. 

Another plus that I had was the color-coded exit tickets. I like how they separated the understandings into different areas instead of just broadly asking if anyone had any questions.

A final plus that I had was that their guided practice progressively became more complex to test for understanding. I feel that really assesses what the students know or need help on.

One wish that I had was that I wish there were a little more modeling and real-life examples to allow students to physically grasp the concept by seeing the machine in action.

Overall I feel that the group did very well, and I am excited to see how the rest of fieldwork goes!