The STEM strategies lesson that I created encompassed the bacteria found in a classroom and The Germ Theory. I found the 5 E’s strategy helpful for developing a high quality lesson. It made me consider all aspects when planning a lesson. This process is similar to how I usually plan a unit; however, I do not incorporate the 5 E’s into every lesson that I teach. What I have done in the past is incorporate the 5 E’s into at least one lesson that I teach throughout the entire topic/standard. Well, at least I was doing something right. I now see the importance of using the 5 E’s format when designing every lesson that I teach. The 5 E’s model that was developed by the Biological Science Curriculum Study group (BSCS), uses the components of Engagement, Exploration, Explanation, Extension and Evaluation to support scientific literacy for learners. (Buxton & Provenzo, 2011).
If I were to implement this lesson, an issue that I would need to resolve ahead of time is the space that would be needed in the classroom for storing 48 shoeboxes of Petri dishes. The space in my classroom is limited, so this would need to be planned out prior to the lesson. I would also have to allow time to make the Petri dishes with the Agar solution. I would have to prepare 240 Petri dishes with the Agar solution, because we do not have any science equipment to heat a solution. I could use the Foods Lab, which contains a stove a pans. I would try to find some students willing to do this during their lunch hour or students that have mastered a concept, while I am re-teaching to those that still need help.
Overall, I am grateful for learning to incorporate a Historical Perspective into lesson planning. This provides real world connections to what is being taught.
References:
Buxton, C. A., & Provenzo, E. F., Jr. (2011). Teaching science in elementary & middle school: A cognitive and cultural approach. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications.
I have always wanted to do a lesson to show how quickly bacteria can grow and spread, through using petri dishes. Unfortunately, there is not a facility near the school where I can take the bacteria petri dishes when I am done. Where do you dispose of your petri dishes when you are done with the bacteria lab?
ReplyDeleteCarrie,
ReplyDeleteOh my goodness! I was not aware that there was a procedure for the disposal of the Petri dishes. We just throw them away in the garbage can. I get the nutrient agar from Steven Spangler Science. I do not remember seeing instructions for disposal. I will have to look into this. Thanks for letting me know.