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Many times the second grade curriculum needs to be demonstrated or practiced in a concrete way so the students can understand the concept. Our current science unit is The Sun and Family. While the students can see the sun, most students assume that the sun is moving around the Earth because we see the sun rise in the east and set in the west. I demonstrate how the Earth rotates by setting up an overhead projecter to act as the sun and we use the globe for the Earth. Then the students can see the light from the projector/sun lighting one half of the globe/Earth at a time. They can see how the Earth’s rotation causes day and night.
To aid in this understanding, I have also found a site on the Internet to show this concept. (http://www.cne-siar.gov.uk/school/tolstaprimary/dayandnight/) Sometimes the students need to practice the concept multiple times before the understanding is complete. I will quickly tire of spinning the globe around the overhead projector, but the computer will continue to play the same sequence over and over tirelessly. (I guess if I would find someone to videotape me spinning the globe I could become tireless too!)
I also search the Internet for graphics, video clips or short movies to demonstrate concepts of space. Unitedstreaming.com is a great source of videos and videoclips. Brainpop.com also offers great cartoon mini movies on many topics for a range of learners. Unfortunately, these sites are not free.
I believe that hands-on projects and simulations do help the students to learn more effectively. They become active participants in their own learning by performing the steps of the process. Hands-on experiments, computer simulations and videos can all aid in the students’ learning.
1 comment:
Amy-
I agree with you that hands-on activities engage students in learning. Using the computer or watching educational videos online is a great way to teach students different concepts in a fun and meaningful way.
The internet is an effective way to demonstrate all different types of concepts. I turn to the internet often even when teaching physical eduaction. There are great sites out there for teachers as well as students that are eduactional and involve hands on learning. The websites you mentioned sound like great resources for teaching and learning.
Hands on learning activities not only enhance motivation, but also engage students in learning. When students are engaged in learning, they are more likely to become interested in the material and learn new ideas and concepts.
Great job on your post!
Joe Garbowski
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