Primary Science: Sink or Float

I loved this lesson. It would be easy to do as a TTOC or if you found yourself with some extra time and not enough planned. Of course, having the tubs, items and worksheet makes it easier, but students could also write out statements on lined paper.

First, they PREDICT if an item will SINK or FLOAT. 

Then, they put the item in the tub of water to OBSERVE.

Next, they write down their results - did it SINK or FLOAT.

After each student chose an item, the entire group would predict, then observe. Each student had a chance to choose an item to test. At the end, they all wrote sentences to explain why they thought things would SINK or FLOAT.

They were all engaged, it got a bit splashy at times, but they were reminded to be cautious not to get their DATA SHEETS wet and ruin their findings.

What a fun lesson!

Co-Teaching

One of the many things I love about mentoring, is the opportunity to work with new teachers in a variety of ways. My favourite is co-teaching.

Co-teaching goes beyond collaboration and let's teachers work together to educate students.

http://www.ctserc.org/initiatives/teachandlearn/coteach.shtml lists 6 different ways to co-teach:

1. One Teach, One Observe. 
2. One Teach, One Assist.
3. Parallel Teaching.
4. Station Teaching.
5. Alternative Teaching.
6. Team Teaching



I found an awesome blog that talks about co-teaching, here are some highlights:

I will be the first to say co-teaching is not for everyone but in the same instance, I believe everyone should try it. 

Education is not about out doing my coworker down the hall. It is about collaborating to make everyone successful. I have always been a fan of collaboration but throughout school, everything has been a competition for me. Teaching is not a competition it is about doing what is best for all our students.

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Co-teaching.... maybe not for everyone, but I am the first to admit that I can be a control freak.... yet, I still manage to enjoy and excel in co-teaching!