Algebra Readiness: How can you help students understand the concept of variables when they are just beginning to learn algebra?
In my experience, this can be done early on with students learning basic addition and subtraction facts. One of the things that I often do with my math intervention students is discuss the importance of an equal sign. I will do this by incorporating a scale and have them put manipulatives (bears, base ten blocks, counters, etc) in both sides to show that equal amounts are on both sides and that the scale balances. Then we talk about missing addend problems (3 + ____ = 7) and we build it, with 7 on one side, 3 on the other and they add the manipulatives until it balances. Once we do this, I will put an object (or a letter) in for the blank (3 + a = 7) and we discuss that a=4. This is a great way to set up students for success later on!
What ideas do you use to help students?
When I am teaching my students trick words, I make sure that I teach them ways to remember the words. For example when I teach my students how to spell the word together, I teach them that the word has the words to, get, and her in it. After a month or so my students are able to teach each other tricks to spell words and begin to identify words or parts that they see in certain words. They are so proud of themselves and are very confident.
There are differences between teaching upper elementary and lower elementary students. Lower elementary students need more scaffolds to help with learning new skills. They really depend on you to be clear when you are explaining what they are learning each day. Having posters to help reinforce the learning is very helpful. The students also rely heavily on word walls for math and sound walls that teach students what sounds look like when you say them. Upper elementary students are more independent and don't need as much explanation when learning something new. They are usually good at working in groups and can explain what their thoughts are.
We are going on our first field trip of the school year this week. What are some “must have” things that you take along on every trip as the teacher?
How would you introduce students to plotting points on a coordinate plane for the first time?
Immerse them in the experience. Using painter's tape(much better than masking tape for removing it cleanly) create a coordinate plane on the floor. Then make a game out of it having them move from the x negative and positive to the negative and positive . Have them go back to their seat and provide them drawing paper and have them draw the plane they moved through. Give them a game piece, or using their fingers and have them do the same thing in 2 dimensions. The next day, have them use that same drawing to label their lines with positive and negative numbers and the x and y. (Using graph paper will help them keep the numbers even spaced. Now using colored pencils have them mark dots/points of coordinates within the plane paying particular attention the the 0,0 or 0,-5 point types.
How would you explain the concept of exoplanets to a fifth-grade class?
How many of.you arr a little salty about Pluto being kicked out of the solar system club? The idea of Exolplanets is actually one amazing way to illustrate that as our understanding changes with research and knowledge gained, that science also changes! For fifth graders I like to immerse them in scientifically accurate diagrams and animations of our planetary system in movement around the sun that include Pluto
Through observation. I then ask various questions about the revolutions of each planet. Eventually it comes up that Pluto's orbit crosses through other planetary orbits. We use this as a launching point for characteristics of Dwarf planets. Other characteristics are the size - typically smaller than other planets, shape - round due to their gravity, and orbital paths are not cleared. Once they understand the characteristics of a Dwarf planet we do a "hunt " for other Dwarf planets in our solar system using nasa.gov. Once they learn of Eris, Orcas and Ceres we do a scientific investigation through research and check to ensure all of these names Dwarf planets fit the characteristics we discovered earlier using Thinking Maps or charts.
How do you teach your students about Dward planets and where they can be found? (Asteroid and Kuiper belts?
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