Yesterday I blogged about our impromptu lunch and science experience. Today we had another. As a part of larger units and studies in life sciences, we explore the world of insects! We're junior entomologists and we delve into life cycles of insects, types of metamorphosis of insects and a whole lot more! We research, present findings, share insect "testimonials" (One kid, "my grandpop got bugs and 'mices' at his house!), and become the scientists we really are!
The homework that wasn't completed, had to be. One article was on infestations of the emerald ash borer. So as is our practice, we did "go over the answers", but then went to the internet and began to look up information on it. The kids know that we don't just go "anywhere", but to look carefully for some ".edu"s, ".org"s and perhaps some ".us"s.
Our search led us to Purdue University for at least a second time in as many weeks. We perused their website a bit. As we searched, a student asked if the emerald ash borer was harmful to humans. We didn't know, but we saw a phone number. Another kid, "CALL IT!!" Me, "hmmmm, good idea".
We called. I believe Megan or Diane answered. I introduced myself, my profession and my city. I asked if I could put her on speaker to answer the kids' question. She did and gave some supplemental information about the emerald ash borer. She was glad to do it and it was great!! We "did" science.
I explained to the children that they were becoming scientists indeed!! That this is what scientists do all the time and love to do!
It wasn't in my SWBAT but it was real!!
Some call me "Flem"
- Dr. Stephen R. Flemming
- I'm an elementary school teacher turned high school English teacher, School-Based Teacher Leader (SBTL), and adjunct professor here in Philly. These posts are the views, as I see them, from room 105, my first classroom number. Enjoy, engage, and share!
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