Ellie Behrens- Elementary Science Methods

  What did you learn this week? During our lab, we discussed the results from our baby lab in a more in-depth detail. We answered follow up questions about dominant and recessive traits. Additionally, we learned about mutations in our DNA. I learned that mutations can be beneficial, have no effect, or be harmful to our health. Previously, I thought that mutations were only harmful, so it was interesting to learn about beneficial mutations. We discussed translation and transcription of DNA and explored two simulations. Lastly, we learned more about mutations through a superhero lab. During our lecture, we learned about natural selection. Natural selection is when organisms with advantageous traits are more likely to survive and pass those traits on to their offspring.  Which parts did you find clear, and which were confusing? I found our discussion about natural selection to be clear. I found it easy to identify desirable traits and fitness of different species. For example, th...

What did you learn this week? This week our learning was focused on DNA and genetics. We created a candy DNA strand and made sure to match up the "base pairs". This was a great hands-on learning experience. Additionally, we did the baby lab, which helped us develop a deeper understanding of genotypes and phenotypes. We flipped a coin to determine which trait was passed on from the mom and dad. We learned that the genotype determines the phenotype, and the phenotypes are the observable characteristics on a person. Additionally, we observed our plants made note of where they were at in their life cycle. Lastly, we got to see the butterflies that hatched. It was cool to watch them go from worms to butterflies and see their lifecycle.  How can you apply what you've learned to your teaching in the future? I can apply what I have learned to my future teaching by using the same activities with my students. I think these are very kid-friendly and engaging activities that would he...

Are you able to relate what you learned to what you already knew? I am able to relate what I learned about turtles to what I already knew. I knew that turtles had a low survival rate, but I did not know why. Learning about all the challenges they overcome to survive helps me connect this to what I previously knew. I learned that from the moment they hatch, they are on their own to survive. Their parents do not stick around to help them. There are many dangerous situations that they encounter, and they are lucky to survive them.  How can you apply what you've learned to your teaching in the future I really enjoyed all the hands-on activities we did this week in lab. I can apply these to my future teaching to create a deeper understanding of these topics with my students. The fortune teller and children's book would be helpful to have students use their imagination and storytelling skills to learn about turtles. Additionally, we pollinated our plant flowers with a dead bee. Anoth...