reflection


 * again after listening to the presentations, Sharon made it clear that we need to clearly state why we chose these resources and what implications they have on our teaching practices. (kim)

Astronomy has always been of fascination throughout history. When we look up into the sky there is always something new and exciting to see. An eclipse, a comet, a shooting star. As we live on a planet called earth and it is one of the planets in the universe including the sun (and its planets that make up the solar system) it is important for students to know, understand and discover how our galaxy first came into existence and to explore the planets of the universe **. **Because the class consists mainly of boys the focus is on space and space travel where students are able to view the universe through the lens of the Hubble telescope, travel into space on a rocket and measure how long it took to get there (in light years). Students will develop a basic understanding of space both its history, present and delve into the future. (This could be used part of the rationale ??? Mxo)**

This sounds good and it includes all the ideas we come up with so far, so one question are we only describing the lessons without planning them in detail as the task suggests? Or do we want to make this harder than we have to.

Something else to add to the rationale ??? 'The task is to broaden student knowledge, skills and experiences as well as engaging students in their learning. The integrated curriculum will develop students co-operative and social learning skills. Students will work as a whole class (for example watching the video of The Magic School Bus) and in small groups as well as in pairs, however sometimes the students will work on the inquiry based project individually (so as to build upon their knowledge and understanding). According to Murdoch and Hornsby (2007) working together in small groups enable learners to access a larger pool of experience, skills and knowledge. At times co-operative learning calls for students to chose who to work with and at other times it is important for the teacher to structure the learning process............ our integrated program enables students in the 1/2 class to make sense of their world and universe and allows students to make connections between the earth, the solar system and the planets. Therefore students should be able to piece together their prior knowledge with new knowledge to develop a deeper understanding; making meaning more purposeful whilst enhancing student learning.' Mxo

Nice wording Mary, I like your thinking. Maybe we are finally getting somewhere, which order are we going to use for the lessons, Lesson 1 - introduction with video of magic school bus etc, Lesson 2 - more research and interactive learning through web sites, note taking etc, Lesson 3 - begin working on slide, the recording of info(audio) the creating of student findings etc, Lesson 4 - finishing individual slides and putting them altogether to form whole class powerpoint with sound etc.? and the final viewing of finished product?Fiona