Blog Post #6 - Think Aloud

Inquiry learning is a practice I feel like I unknowingly practice daily.  To me...inquiry learning is learning through questioning, trial-and-error, or by solving problems.  I am always getting calls from teachers who have a technology problem that they need my help solving.  Many times the issue they are presenting me is an issue that I don't immediately have an answer to solve.  I have to use inquiry by questioning and reading forums on Google or by trial and error in creating a solution.  The Ted Talks video where Diana Laufenberg presented based on her experiences in teaching was amazing to watch.  I can imagine it was difficult for her step outside of the box with her students but I can only imagine how much they learned.  I know it will be an experience they will never forget.

https://www.ted.com/talks/diana_laufenberg_3_ways_to_teach?language=en#t-263701

In planning for the mini-lessons, I think I am going to cover volcano's specifically the currently erupting volcano Mount Kilauea in Hawaii using the 5th-grade standard:

I want to take the students on a virtual field trip to live videos of the site of the eruption, show them before and after pictures of different locations around the volcano to show them the constructive and destructive results of volcanos.  I want to include components that focus specifically on part C of the standard by discussing the types of technology scientists are currently using to predict the locations of the island that are hazardous as well as the seismic activity that indicates upcoming earthquakes.

Project: Students will create a written or digital journal from the perspective of a scientist studying the Mount Kilauea volcano.  Written journals can take the form of a scrapbook or notebook of journal entries while digital journals can take the form of presentations or movies.

1. Authenticity- This is a current event taking place in our country. 
2. Deep Understanding- Focus on the standard.  Create quality essential questions.
3. Assessment- Create a rubric for the project.
4. Appropriate Use of Technology- Virtual field trip to Hawaii; Device used for research; Video Interviews; Before and after photos; etc. 
5. Student Success-  Clear guidelines created for the project that allows for creativity while being adaptable to individual student needs.
6. Connecting with Experts- Video interviews of scientists on site.
7. Performances of Understanding - Exploring the events of Mount Kilauea
8. Ethical Citizenship - Plagiarism discussion and use of curated resources when building student project. 

Hmmm....Now I just wish I had a group of kids to teach!  This sounds fun!