Today was a day to see how the students could work together in a group with minimal instruction. Chemistry classes were involved in creating graphics on how to solve either formula mass, molar mass or percent composition problems. My first period class was somewhat at a loss on what to do when they are not directly being "spoon fed". However, once they got going the all started to interact with their groups and got the exercise started and worked out. After they were done many started to "decorate" their board. I do not see this as a bad thing if they can put together the science with something they enjoy I feel that they will remember the science better when it comes time for an assessment. My last chemistry class did a much better job than my first period but they are a more hands on group.
In forensic science to day students will be using calipers to measure the caliber of shell casings and spent bullets. This again is an exercise where students need to work together to check each others work and learn how to use a new measuring tool. Both classes did well after the "aren't you going to help us" phase. The exciting part of this was as the students measured the different type of casing they started asking questions? "What would you use this for?" "How did this get so distorted?" In a lecture type environment this would not have happened. Now they have their hands on it and are able to look, touch and feel. I would say the forensic science activity was a success.
Still after a week feeling positive about the changes but I am very aware that like in any method there will be those days that won't go so well. But when that happens we assess, reflect and correct.
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