Assignment+1

=LIBE 463=

Assignment # 1

My focus for this course is going to be Grade Two Science using the British Columbia Curriculum.

Prescribed Learning Ooutcomes Grade Two http://www.bced.gov.bc.ca/irp/pdfs/sciences/2005scik7_2.pdf

These are the four topics at a glance:

__Processes of Science__


 * Interpreting observations
 * Making Inferences

__Life Science: Animal Growth and Change__

This is the study of the diversity, continuity,  interactions, and balance among organisms and  their environments. By using the skills, processes,  and attitudes of science, students extend their  understanding of the living world and their place  within it.

__Physical Science: Properties of Matter__

This is the study of matter and energy, and their interactions. By using the skills, processes, and attitudes of science, students build a foundation for their understanding of the physical world.

<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">__Earth and Space Science: Air Water and Soil__

<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">This is the study of the universe and the structure of <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">the Earth. By using the skills, processes, and attitudes <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">of science, students develop an understanding of <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">the forces, processes, and dynamic life-supporting <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">qualities of the Earth.

<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">Specific Outcomes for each unit of study are:

<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">Processes of Science:

 * <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">use their senses to interpret observations
 * <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">infer the probable outcome of an event or behaviour based on observation

<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">Life Science: Animal Growth and Change:

 * <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">classify familiar animals according to similarities and differences in appearance, behaviour, and life cycles
 * <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">describe some changes that affect animals (e.g., hibernation, migration, decline in population)
 * <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">describe how animals are important in the lives of Aboriginal peoples in BC
 * <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">describe ways in which animals are important to other living things and the environment

<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">Physical Science

 * <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">identify the properties of solids, liquids, and gases
 * <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">investigate changes to the properties of matter when it is heated or cooled
 * <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">investigate the interactions of liquids and solids

<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">Earth and Space Science

 * <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">describe physical properties of air, water, and soil
 * <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">distinguish ways in which air, water, and soil interact
 * <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">explain why air, water, and soil are important for living things

<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 120%;">Rationale
<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 120%;">I am very interested in this curriculum as I have taught Grade Two several times at several schools and have noticed there are a variety of different resources available. This experience with the subject and grade will allow me to explore this curriculum through the lens of a Teacher Librarian. My experience as an early primary teacher will help me to know what is an appropriate readibility level.

<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 120%;">I have always studied our local animals and built up my own resources and often never even used the school library, particularly the one I'm currently in now. I am very curious to see what is available in my building! I am interested in finding out what particular animals the other grade two teachers want to learn about.

<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 120%;">Another reason this topic/grade is pertinent is this year there are two relatively new grade two teachers at my school and this will allow me to offer support and guidance in their science needs.

<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 120%;">Every school I've worked at I scramble to find adequate resources. As I have taken over the Teacher Librarian position and am currently cleaning out three seemingly disconnected storage places, with boxes labelled 'Grade Two Science', I am very interested to see what is available and where there are holes. Some of what I have found is outdated and seems to be incomplete sets. My school amalgamated with another school about seven years ago and I have found sealed boxes from the move!!! I am suspicious I will need to purchase some new resources and am eager to see what I can find.

<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 120%;">I have approached the teachers about compiling all the resources we have into grades and themes and then weeding and purchasing according to grade groups. Most teachers seem very excited-we all know it is not a new concept just one that needs to be constantly monitored and updated. It is a nice feeling knowing that I can begin a job that will benefit the teachers!

<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 120%;">I have never felt like I had enough high-quality Science resources when I was teaching. I also felt I just didn't have time to go searching for materials. As a classroom teacher, I just made do with whatever the school had to offer. Curricular demands are so great as a classroom teacher that I felt I simply couldn't run around trying to find the best resources. I have always concentrated on Math and Langauge Arts. I want to see if I will be able to find appropriate websites, print resources, field trips, dvd resources, video streaming, posters, etcetera. I want to see what I can find in an 'ideal' world of teaching.

<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 120%;">In our district the new 'buzz' word seems to be inquiry-based learning. I've spoken with a grade two teacher and we are going to look into doing some collaborative teaching in science, with a focus on inquiry.