Posted by David Wetzel
Science Newsletters
One strategy for teaching science concepts is through the use of student developed science newsletters.
This approach involves students in the learning process as they research information, write articles, and present these articles in class science newsletters.
This newsletter project helps students improve their writing skills as they learn how to write in science.
Using publishing tools in classroom computer software programs, students embed supporting images and links in the newsletters.
This format also allows newsletters to be published in a classroom Science Blog or Science Wiki for viewing by parents and other interested parties.
If no paper is used, then this becomes a green newsletter.
Science Newsletter Format
The format of the newsletter uses the following guidelines:
Lead Story – a breaking news story format about the specific scientific concept which is the focus of the newsletter.
One Example: Scientist Discover Earth Shaking News about Earthquakes! Based on research.
Personal Interest Story – a story about people or animals using the scientific concept being studied.
One Example: Family uses levers and pulleys to remove debris from their home after an earthquake.
Optional Newsletter Sections
The following sections are optional and are more likely used when a whole class is involved in the development of the newsletter.
Comic Strip – a student draws a cartoon strip involving the scientific concept or finds one (citing source) which addresses the concept.
Want Ads – advertisements from people searching for or selling products related to the science concept.
Puzzles – word puzzles or other puzzles involving the scientific concept.
Read more about Science Newsletters.
Posted by David Wetzel
Learning Math Through Writing
The advantage for students who write in math class is that they develop a greater understanding of mathematics.
Student learning of math occurs from the process of explaining mathematical concepts to others, this is where writing strategies help the process of learning.
This is where a version of an old adage fits – “If you can successfully explain the problem and process to others in writing, then you understand the math concept.”
Writing in Math Checklist
Providing students with a checklist as a math resource helps them learn how to write in mathematics.
The checklist can be easily adapted into a rubric for grading.
The checklist helps students focus on the important details required in a good math paper.
The following writing strategies are part of a recommended checklist:
Clearly State the Math Problem – do not assume the reader knows what you are talking about. Explain the problem in detail so the reader understands the problem.
Present the Answer in a Complete Sentence – the answer must stand alone. Variables must be explained and if the answer is at the end of the paper, restate assumptions made when solving the problem. Do not assume the reader remembers every detail of the problem or paper.
Clearly State Assumptions Related to Formulas – explain what assumptions were taken to solve the problem.
Read more at Writing in Mathematics
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Filed Under: Math
Posted by David Wetzel
Natural Disasters
Everyday natural disasters occur somewhere in the world. Disasters are caused by flooding, hurricanes, typhoons, earthquakes, and more.
Students rarely have the ability to view the effects of natural disasters, except on TV.
However, there is one technology that is available for students to watch natural disasters occur or see the effects after they have occurred.
This technology is called Google Earth. Using this free technology, students get a bird’s eye view of a natural disaster area with remarkable high resolution.
This technology was only available to scientists and government officials until recently. Teachers and students now have access to this technology and they can investigate the cause and effect of any natural disaster in the world.
Google Earth
When word of a natural disaster is unfolding somewhere in the world and announced on the news, students can use Google Earth to conduct an investigation of the disaster’s effect.
If enough warning is given, examples are a hurricane or typhoon; students can view the expected land fall areas before they strike. Then students can view the effects after the hurricane or typhoon passes through the area.
Natural Disasters
Students can investigate using Google Earth, include:
Volcano Eruptions – investigation lava flows and impact on surrounding vegetation.
Earthquakes – especially in populated areas, investigating the impact on human development and land masses.
Major Floods – investigate floods, along with watershed cause and effects.
Tsunamis – investigate the destructive power of Tsunamis, by comparing before and after images of the seashore and surrounding landscape.
Wild Fires – investigate and track the spread of wild fires anywhere in the world to determine the effect, when compared to previous data.
Droughts – monitor the effect on vegetation, rivers, and watersheds as droughts continue over a period of time.
Blizzards – investigate the effect when blizzards cover a large region, such as the east coast blizzard of 1995.
Tornadoes – investigate the damage caused by a tornadoes’ impact on areas populated by humans, comparing the different levels of tornadoes.
Additional Information and Resources
Natural Disasters and Investigating Causes
Understanding Scientific Inquiry
20 Questions to Ask Students in Science Projects
Google Earth
