Standard 2

Standard 2 - Content Area and Pedagogical Knowledge – The competent teacher has in-depth understanding of content area knowledge that includes central concepts, methods of inquiry, structures of the disciplines, and content area literacy. The teacher creates meaningful learning experiences for each student based upon interactions among content area and pedagogical knowledge, and evidence-based practice.

RATIONALE: The reality is that physics is all around us and there are many opportunities that arise daily when we can take advantage of circumstances and use it as a learning time with our students. One example of when we can teach kids about physics in a fun way is during outside time. When kids are playing with any type of ball, one can explain velocity as it relates to a ball falling or being thrown. Physical science can be related to the daily life of students. Motion, Velocity, vectors , acceleration, gravity and all can be teach in a way that pertains to a students interest and daily life, for example but not limited to traveling in a vehicle, roller coasters and playing sports. Students might find it interesting to learn about things they already enjoy doing from a scientific perspective. In reality children are introduced to science concepts from a very early age, the approach is different and the wording is more simple but the basics are teach early on to children. As an educator it is very important that we have a foundation on Physical Science for it will positively impact our teaching. I don’t believe we need to be scientist to teach Science effectively but instead apply good teaching approaches.

STANDARD CONNECTION: The artifact embraces standard two because , I created a meaningful science learning experience. I made usage of my in-depth science knowledge and connected it with effective teaching strategies .

SELF-EVALUATION: Hands on activities are great because children are able to make personal connections to the content. While planning this science lesson and conducting it, I realized how meaningful and how fast learning objectives can be targeted using fun child centered activities.

RATIONALE: This artifact is part of a one week social-studies unit. I created a learning plan about "El Dia De Los Muertos". The mini-unit plan walked children into an understanding of "El Dia De Los Muertos" through different activities. I implemented language arts, reading, social-emotional, mathematics and social studies learning standards into the unit.

STANDARD CONNECTION: The artifact aligns with IPTS 2 because I made usage of in-depth understanding of content including central concepts, methods of inquiry, and literacy. I created a meaningful learning experiences for each student based upon interactions among content area and pedagogical knowledge, and evidence-based practice.

SELF-EVALUATION: The mini- unit plan was an engaging and enriched learning experience. Students were able to learn about "El Dia De Los Muertos" while also grasping and mastering learning objectives from all learning areas. The mini-unit included building an "altar" as the study progressed. Students enjoyed adding the components to the altar. The learning experience became personal , engaging and meaningful.

Altar that I created in the classroom for display .