Learning Log

Key Learning:

During Andrew’s workshop we focused on inquiry and investigation skills within science. Firstly I learned that investigative skills include asking questions, planning, carrying out experiments, present results and evaluate. I also learned the some of the different types of scientific inquiry which can be used in the classroom; pattern seeking, exploring, making things, fair test and many more. In primary schools sience resources are often limited but within Andrews’s tutorial today he showed us how we can make science fun when teaching disasters to make it engaging and fun for children. We carried out many experiments such as doing some tests on a piece of rock and making volcanoes and hurricanes:

   

We also looked closely at some snails during the opportunity to hold them if we like. I found these experiments very interesting and I feel they are something which children would enjoy taking part it.

During Louise’s workshop we focused on learning about the political factors and the economic impacts of disasters. The first thing I learned was that something can only be classed as a disaster when human society is impacted so when there is social distribution, material damage or loss of life. In groups we discussed the preparation and response which is required with a disaster at local, national and international level. I learned a lot from doing this task because before I had not fully realised how much preparation and time is involved before, during and after a disaster to ensure everyone has been given important information and are as prepared as they can be and have the correct help and support they need. Below are the suggestions we came up with:

 

For the study task my group haven chosen earthquakes to gain some further knowledge on for our micro teaching task on Friday 4th November.

Impact on my views:

After the disasters inputs my knowledge on this area greatly developed and it has had impact on my views. Before this input I was aware that disasters such as earthquakes, volcanoes, tsunamis etc are happening in the world but because I have never really been affected by any of these I did not take much interest towards this area. However, now I realise how often these disasters happen around the world aand how much of an impact on countries, towns, buildings and families thes have. I also now feel that it is important to teach children about the different disasters that happen in the world because it is completely relevant and they need to know about them, I also realise now that as teachers we must be sensitive and careful above what we show and teach them beause we do not want to completely frighten them. From the practical workshop I have realised how I can teach children about the different types of disasters in a fun and relevant way.

Next steps:

After the inputs on disasters I have been preparing for the micro teaching study task on earthquakes which I have been enjoying preparing for this and looking forward to seeing how other groups present their disaster. I have kept a note of the different experiments we carried out and the resources which are on moodle to show and use with children when teaching disasters within the class and I will have these to use while teaching disasters to my class.

Powerpoint used in micro-teaching:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B7xxP8kUgqRhNENFVzVSZEowd28/view?usp=drive_web