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

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.