Learner: Justin V, Mohammed and Tristan     Learning Coach: Margaret Patrick            Date: 24.09..2015

Learning Area: Science Narrative Learning story

Learning Observed

These learners were part of the “Mythbuster” group for iExperience in Weeks 6-10. They ”busted” the myths about everyday objects behaving in unusual ways. They were curious and explored the  physical and chemical reactions that caused the strange things to happen.They practiced writing up the phenomenon using a scientific experimental method developing their capabilities.  In week 10 they collaborated to form a  group and they had to make their own experiment, connect with other research available and come up with a hypothesis as what they expected to happen, do the experiment and reflect on the actual outcome. Following this they were required to make a presentation to an audience of learners. This included: the actual experiment, explanation of any changes they made, review of their hypothesis, present their digital recording of their work and field answers to questions. They managed their time well and were ready on time. Their experiment was about creating a shock using static electricity from a balloon, transferred to a plastic spoon wrapped in foil as a conductor. They were not prepared with materials for the day of their experiment. They relied on Mrs Patrick for the balloon and plastic fork. Mohammed brought the foil from home and Justin brought the plastic gloves. When they first tried the experiment, it appeared it wasn’t working but they had missed an important step. I asked them to read the procedure again and they realaised that they needed to touch the fork with the other hand’s finger. They were trying to rub the balloon on their hair and when I suggested rubbing faster on my top the reaction was a lot stronger. During the demonstration apparently they could get any shock. They probably needed a new balloon as the the original one was slightly soft and deflated. They didn’t try rubbing on their clothes. They called their experiment “Shocking Lightning”. Refer their slide show presentation.

Evidence of learning

Next Learning Steps

try out other experiments in a safe supervised manner explore where this scientific phenomenon is used in real life activities write a reflective blog post about your learning. Add a cross-section of comments from the other learners’ feedback during your presentation. encourage your family to go online and read your blogs. spend time ensuring all group members have a role during a presentation. create a schedule for group members regarding responsibility for bringing various items to contribute to the group’s experiment.

Habitats & Continents Learning Story

Learner: :  Seth, Mohammed & Jasonta                                                        Date: July 2015

Learning Area: Science                                                         Learning Coach: DWilkes

Learning Observed

The learners are beginning learning in the area of animal habitats, adaptations and survival needs in preparation for our trip to the zoo.  During the session the learners began to build their scientific language and develop their ability to communicate in science.  In matching the animals to different continents Seth & Mohammed began to recognise that living things are suited to their particular habitat, Jasonta really enjoyed this activity.  They can recognise that all living things have certain requirements so they can stay alive.  While learning the continent song, they actively participated and could sign and say the names of all of the continents.  They could also identify them on a world map.  Jasonta, Mohammed and Seth can define what the word habitat means and they can state which continent certain animals are found eg. panda in Asia, giraffe in Africa

Evidence of learning

Key Competencies/Vision Principles

The boys were enthusiastically engaged in all aspects of the lesson participating and contributing while demonstrating strong collaboration and communication with Jasonta.  They asked each other for help and didn’t hesitate to check for understanding with other learners or the learning coaches. During the matching activity I observed excellent questioning and problem solving strategies while they worked with Diane. While some of the animals were matched incorrectly to the continents, they persevered to get it correct showing a strong desire to develop their capability in this area. They are able to make connections between what a habitat is to an animal and what a habitat is to humans drawing on new learning and prior knowledge.

Next Learning Steps

more practice matching animals to different continents review saying the names of the continents - use the continent song here reading about animals at home, visiting the zoo website or playing these games http://switchzoo.com/games/habitatgame.htm http://www.abpischools.org.uk/activescience/module2/home.html http://www.bgfl.org/bgfl/custom/resources_ftp/client_ftp/ey/science/animal_h/index.htm http://interactivesites.weebly.com/habitats.html