With the theme of “record keeping,” we might have expected the cover photo to show children writing in a notebook or typing on a computer. Instead, the editor chose a photo of a child looking through binoculars with an “Oh Wow!” expression. As teachers, we live for these Oh Wow! or Aha! events. But if we’re not careful, these can easily become a series of unconnected events that can lead to Ho Hum or So What attitudes toward science. According to many of the articles in this issue, having students discuss, share, write, and record data makes the difference.
For example, in Just Like Real Scientists students used a copy of records kept by Ian Gilby (Jane Goodall’s counterpart) as an inspiration to create a way to observe, record, and discuss the behaviors of their own pets. If you’re planning a field trip, check out A Picture Is Worth a Thousand Words for an alternative to the traditional scavenger hunt. Note how the teacher guides students through asking questions before a trip to the zoo, shows them how to collect both written and visual data, and then facilitates their sharing their observations afterward. (Note: the author refers to the 5E Learning Cycle. Click here for more information.)
Sometimes we spend so much time on organizing data that we run out of steam when it comes to doing anything with the data! Organizing Weather Data has ideas for incorporating weather data into morning meeting time. Older students can get ideas for organizing their weather data from websites such as NOAA’s National Climatic Data Center or the National Weather Service.
If the student in the photo has just spotted an interesting bird, this interest may have been sparked by activities such as What Sort of Feather? To learn more about birds so that you can spark a similar interest, SciLinks has a collection of links on birds for younger students. For students in grades 5-8, go to SciLinks and type in “birds” as a keyword. You’ll find websites for several concepts related to birds. One of my new favorites is an online Bird Guide with photos, maps, sounds, and “cool facts.”
An O-fish-al Research Project shows how to structure online research and real-time observations to help students create both written and PowerPoint documentation (a rubric is provided). First Grade Record Keepers (with the guidance of their teacher) charted the growth of salamanders and discussed what they had in their journals. SciLinks can help you find more information on salamanders and other amphibians.
I noticed that most of the articles here dealt with observing and documenting animal behaviors. For more ideas, you can check out the SciLinks websites on the topic Animal Behaviors. But I wonder what if the child’s “O Wow” came from looking at big machines, cloud formations, mountains, a waterfall, airplanes, or a rainbow? How can we help students with record-keeping or journaling on these topics?