Lesson Plans

I teach science using different types of teaching techniques, but I prefer inquiry-based activities for students to explore the content.  I teach inquiry in different levels: guided inquiry, exploratory inquiry; and project-based inquiry.  I have found that doing inquiry lessons have helped me differentiate the class to help a wide variety of learners.  This allows me to freely walk around the classroom to interact with students; have a better understanding of each learner in my classroom; and utilize the strengths of each student for each class.

Types of Lesson Plans

Demo/Lecture Based

POGIL (Process Oriented Guided Inquiry Learning)

• • I utilize POGILs to help students become confident with analyzing and coming to conclusions based on data and trends that are presented to them.  The POGILs I have developed and modified utilize models, online simulation, hands-on activities and labs.

Exploration/Laboratory

Marbled Paper

• • • Students apply their knowledge of polarity and solubility with this activity.  Students utilize paper, food coloring, water, and shaving cream to discuss/explain solubility and why patterns form on the paper.

Lava Lamp

• • • Students apply their knowledge of polarity; solubility; and chemical reaction with this activity.  Students create a "lava lamp" using vegetable oil, water, food coloring, and Alka-Seltzer tablets to describe/explain solubility and evidence of chemical reactions.

PBL (Problem Based Learning)

Separation Challenge

• • • Students will create their own procedures to separate the different components of the mixture using their knowledge of physical properties and separation techniques. At the end, students should be able to identify where they made a mistake, if unsuccessful in separating the mixture, and propose a new method.

Instant hot/ice pack

• • • Using their knowledge of thermodynamics, students will be able to create an ice pack or hot pack using materials of their choosing and developing their own methods.

Recently, I was given the opportunity to be a Long-Term Substitute for a 5th-grade class. Part of my job was to take over the teacher's position and create my own curriculum map; lesson plans; and assessments. Here are examples of my Curriculum map for one of the subjects along with the lesson plan. All lesson plans were written in the "I, We, You" format to comply with school expectations.