After this week's readings from Science Stories, it is even more evident how important it is for the teacher to facilitate learning. Ch. 7 gave an example of a seed lesson where the teacher told 3rd grade students to draw the inside of a Lima bean seed and label it. Instead of providing whole-group direct instruction on the parts of a Lima bean, the teacher provided students with resources (text and online) where they could research the information for themselves.
Later in the lesson, students were able to decide where they wanted to put their Lima bean seedlings for optimal growth. The teacher provided some ideas of where they could leave their seedlings (i.e. in the coat closet, by the window, etc.), but ultimately it was up to the students.
Students need the opportunity to research, experiment, think critically and discover for themselves. When these children are released into the "real world" they're on their own. It's our job, as educators, to set them up for success today!
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