Cool Science Stuff...

We've been spending some time studying the moon, craters on the moon, the origin of the moon and planets and so on and so forth. So, it was super cool when I started to read 2001: A Space Odyssey. It was fascinating to read the book and continue to read material that related directly to what we had just been learning. It was also very exciting to read so many things in a book that were scientifically minded and scientifically accurate. If you are a science teacher, and have not read the book, I highly recommend it. The author is Arthur C. Clarke

Testing anyone?

Testing season is once again upon us. As such, I am working on gearing up my middle school students (8th in particular) to get ready to take the Science MCAII Test. The Science MVA is a very interesting test. I need to give credit to the makers of the test for making use of technology and providing a more authentic approach to testing. On the other hand, the test has shown to be horrendous for ELL students. As a matter of fact, only 4% of the state's ELL students met the standards on this MCA test. I was wondering if anyone had any suggestions beyond going to the computer lab to help students be successful on this test. So far, all I have planned is to practice taking different scenario tests using the following test taking strategies:
1. PREVIEW
a. Top section
b. Visuals- what type? Animation? Graphs?
c. Question(s)- what type of question is it? Multiple choice? Long answer? Short answer? Graphing? Click and move?
d. Answers- Are answer options given to you? Where are they? What format are they in?
2. LISTEN AND OBSERVE
a. Click on the Play button. Listen carefully and watch the video if one is provided. This part will help you to understand the setting of the question(s).
3. READ CAREFULLY
a. Top section- highlight important phrases/words
b. Question- Highlight important phrases or words
- What is the question really asking?
- What are the directions?
c. Additional information- graphs? Pictures? Tables? What are their titles, what are the labels? What is it telling you?
4. ANSWER QUESTION
a. Multiple choice- read all answers, eliminate wrong answers, avoid always and never answers
b. Click and move- make sure all spots get filled.
c. Constructed Response- Use full sentences. Be as complete, specific and clear as possible.
5. CHECK YOUR ANSWERS.
a. You are allowed to move forward and backwards through each scenario.
b. Reread each question and your answers for any mistakes. If you do not notice any obvious mistakes, stick with your first answer.

I'm back...

Its been awhile since I've blogged. I was trying really hard for a few weeks to keep blogging every week. But then... I played drums at a show at the Uptown Bar and then went in for a minor surgery (to fix a deviated septum) and I haven't gotten back into blogging until today. But well, the good news is... the show went very well and my nose no longer hurts from the surgery and I can breathe out of my left nostril. Yay!!!