Operation Big Science- Learning Story

Learners:  Aleena, Brooklyn, Alex and Evan                              Learning Coach: DWilkes Learning Area: Science                                                                            Sept: August 2015

Learning Observed

Aleena, Brooklyn, Evan & Alex had a blast conducting Operation Big Science in Week 7.  Thanks to the New World kit of ingredients.  Lots of learning resources as well about the Types of Mixtures and Chemical Reactions in Baking.  The learners learned that cooking is scientific fun and that the science capabilities are for life.  After initially watching a short video explaining the difference between chemical and physical changes the learners were challenged to explore their curiosity by examining their materials and discuss their priori knowledge about the materials and cooking with them.  Then they collaboratively devised an experiment - a cooking experiment, using the ingredients they selected.  First they identified a question and then a hypothesis- making connections to their prior knowledge.  As a group they needed to plan their method too. During the cooking they made observations- noting what they notice, think and wonder. Brooklyn developed capability at measuring while completing the recipe.  Ultimately, it was collaborative and delicious!

Evidence of learning

Operation Big Science - Video

Next Learning Steps

complete their Operation Big Science experiment plan with observations and explanations write a reflective blog post about the experience use more specific measurements when writing a recipe give detailed observations about what you noticed before, during and after experiment sheet Write a comment on the LH1 blog post about Operation Big Science

Continents & Habitats Learning Story

Learner: Brooklyn, Markus and Alex     Date: July 2015

Learning Area: Science                           Learning Coach: DWilkes

Learning Observed

The learners are beginning learning in the area of animal habitats, adaptations and survival needs in preparation for our trip to the zoo.  During the session the learners began to build their scientific language and develop their ability to communicate in science.  In matching the animals to different continents Markus & Alex began to recognise that living things are suited to their particular habitat, Brooklyn really enjoyed this activity.  They can recognise that all living things have certain requirements so they can stay alive.  While learning the continent song, they actively participated and could sign and say the names of all of the continents.  They could also identify them on a world map.  Brooklyn, Alex and Markus can define what the word habitat means and they can state which continent certain animals are found eg. panda in Asia, giraffe in Africa

Evidence of learning

Key Competencies/Vision Principles

The three of them were enthusiastically engaged in all aspects of the lesson participating and contributing while demonstrating strong collaboration with each other. They asked each other for help and didn’t hesitate to check for understanding with other learners or the learning coaches. During the matching activity I observed some good questioning and problem solving strategies. While some of the animals were matched incorrectly to the continents, they persevered to get it correct showing a strong desire to develop their capability in this area. They are able to make connections between what a habitat is to an animal and what a habitat is to humans drawing on new learning and prior knowledge.

Next Learning Steps

more practice matching animals to different continents review saying the names of the continents - use the continent song here reading about animals at home, visiting the zoo website or playing these games http://switchzoo.com/games/habitatgame.htm http://www.abpischools.org.uk/activescience/module2/home.html http://www.bgfl.org/bgfl/custom/resources_ftp/client_ftp/ey/science/animal_h/index.htm http://interactivesites.weebly.com/habitats.html

Learner:Brooklyn Teaurere-West    Learning Coach: Margaret Patrick Date:23.07.2015

Learning Area: Collaboration  Narrative Story

Learning Observed

Brooklyn was a member of a group of 4 learners who were engaged in an activity where they had to reach consensus about placing statements about “promises” into categories under the title of agree, strongly agree, disagree and strongly disagree. An example of some of the promise statements were “ I promise to clean my teeth every night” or “I promise I will grow taller than my dad” or “I promise I will try had to learn” and “ I promise  to keep any promise”. This was a challenging activity as in the first round the learners were not allowed to sign/talk but shuffle the statements into the categories until they were all happy with the outcome. The second round the learners were able to sign/talk and had to justify why they moved and why they thought statements belonged or didn’t belong in the specified category selected. Brooklyn was quick to learn the signs for the 4 different categories.He was able to explain why he thought statements should be moved and why. He was really keen to see what other groups had decided on. When his group compared their results with another group they realised they had several statements that they all felt the same way about but there were a few which were quite different. He is learning to listen/attend to their explanations but when he compared his group with the other group’s he saw them as being wrong and him as being right.

Evidence of learning

Key Competencies/Vision Principles

Brooklyn is displaying an increasing level of participation  and was relating well to the other learners. He was contributing his ideas and showing he made connections with the other learners by showing respect for their different opinions. He realised that it is ok to disagree sometimes.

Next Learning Steps

use these skills in decision making situations during learning blocks, iBreaks and at  home. grow in confidence sharing his viewpoint knowing everyone’s ideas  are valuable when solving problems. accept that other people may have different opinions to his and that is ok.

Brooklyn's Drama Learning Story - May 20, 2015

Learner: Brooklyn                                                                    Date: May 20, 2015

Learning Area: The Arts- Drama                                 Learning Coach: Diana Wilkes

Learning Observed

During iExperience this term with the Strategic Leadership Team (SLT), we have been learning how to use movement and space to effectively communicate.  The lasting understanding is that people represent their culture and heritage in different dramatic ways- past and present.  Learners had a variety of opportunities to explore the use of space, props and their body for communicating different ideas.  Brooklyn worked in a group with Lara, Cassandra and Eric very productively and used different techniques to explore drama elements and conventions.  He exhibited creativity and enthusiasm for performing.  When asked to initiate and develop ideas with others to create dramatic 1 minute skit about a culture, Brooklyn worked well with others offering ideas and demonstrating creativity and enthusiasm. His group selected the Pasifik Island culture and they crafted an entertaining performance indicative of this culture featuring Brooklyn on the drums!

Evidence of learning

Brooklyn makes effective use of space, imaginary props and movement.

Key Competencies/Vision Principles

Brooklyn demonstrates that he can work Collaboratively with others towards a common goal. He shows his Capabilities in following complex instructions and strives to meet the success criteria- managing himself well. He is able to make Connections between what he knows about a culture and how to express that with movement, minimal sound and real/maginary props.

Next Learning Steps

Further explore movements he can make with his body, use of his voice, and creation of facial expressions to enhance dramatic effect