Assessment and the Nature of Science

I have yet to meet with my practicum teacher for this class.  We should start meeting for a few hours at a time in about a week.  The practicum will take place in a second grade classroom that is a part of the SE Polk school district.

In terms of assessment I am a big fan of reflection writing.  I love journaling and think it's a good way to get into students' heads and see what they are thinking.  One way to demonstrate a change in thinking about a topic would be to ask a question like, "Why do leaves change color in the fall?"

Have students write down their thoughts and talk about their answers in large group.  Make a group chart for everyone to see.  Then  do a unit on photosynthesis where they get to see the change for themselves and learn about the process and how that changes over the seasons with the weather.

Then come back together and discuss why leaves change color again.  Once again write down their answers.  Then compare with the students.  Ask why their answers changed.  Talk about how scientists do the same kind of work and how new information can change old ideas.

Then encourage students to go back and reflect in their journals again.  Ask them to draw a picture about what they've learned and then to write about photosynthesis and about their changing ideas.  Push them to write labels on their picture to better explain what they know as well.