April 28, 2010- Observation 7

While observing, the students discussed their "Scientist Biographies." Each student is to research and then play the part of a famous Scientist for their end of the year project. Today, the class discussed Benjamin Franklin and electricity. The class talk about what they knew about electricity, and how Benjamin Franklin originally harnessed electricity as well as the invention of the lightening rod. The students then viewed a short narration which explained the events pre and post Benjamin Franklin's discovery. The students then discussed Thomas Edison, and his invention- the light bulb. Today I was also able to teach my Social Studies lesson to the students. The lesson was to begin with the students listening to and then learning the state song, "Maryland my Maryland." I was unable to pull up the audio for the song because the school did not have the software need to play the music. Instead, I had the students start by humming together the tune of "Maryland My Maryland," which is the same as "O Christmas Tree." CRITICAL MOMENT: I did not inform the students that the tune was the same as "O Christmas Tree" because some of the students did not celebrate Christmas. Knowing this, I felt that it would be inappropriate to assume that all the students knew the tune. This would exclude and alienate the students that did not celebrate Christmas. Instead, I taught the students the tune and they followed along well. The students enjoyed learning the song and were able to quickly match the words with the tune. Next, the students were each assigned a different state symbol or fact. Each student researched their symbol and wrote a brief paragraph stating three interesting facts about their topic. The students wrote a rough draft and then a final copy after review. After completing the writing portion of the activity, the students drew a picture that would visually express their State symbol. I will compile all of the students work to create a "My Maryland Quilt" to be displayed in the classroom.