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Resource Detail: Journal Article

Resource Image A Change in Seasons: Increasing Student Observation Skills

By: Donna R. Sterling
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Details

Type of Resource: Journal Article
Average Rating: Rating
 based on 1 - 5 / 5 review
Publication Title: Science Scope
Publication Date: 9/1/2006
Volume and Issue: Vol 030 Issue 01
Pages: 6
Grade Level: Middle School

Description

The ability to accurately observe and notice small details is a skill important to scientists. To help students develop this skill, have them record and share observations, successively focusing in on smaller, more precise details. When students observe changes in the seasons, they can extend their science knowledge by carefully noting changes in color, shape, and patterns in vegetation, asking questions, and making predictions.

Ideas For Use

Using the seasons in the science classroom increases student observation skills as they focus on subtle differences such as shades of color and differences in structures. Activities that encourage students to make and record observations will enhance and extend their learning.

Discussions

Additional Info

Science Discipline: (mouse over for full classification)
Populations
Adaptations
Science process skills
Behavior
Biodiversity
Intended User Role:Curriculum Supervisor, Middle-Level Educator, Teacher
Educational Issues:Achievement, Classroom management, Curriculum, Educational research, Inquiry learning, Instructional materials, Teacher content knowledge, Teacher preparation, Teaching strategies

Technical

Resource Format:application/pdf
Size:453 KB
Requirements:Requires Adobe Acrobat Reader


National Standards Correlation

This resource has 9 correlations with the National Standards.  
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This resource has 9 correlations with the National Standards.  
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  • Content Standards
    • Quality Teaching
      • Deepens educators’ content knowledge, provides them with research-based instructional strategies to assist students in meeting rigorous academic standards, and prepares them to use various types of classroom assessments appropriately. (NSDC)
  • Teaching Standards
    • Teachers of science plan an inquiry-based science program for their students.
      • Select science content and adapt and design curricula to meet the interests, knowledge, understanding, abilities, and experiences of students.
  • Life Science
    • Diversity and adaptations of organisms
      • NA
    • Structure and function in living systems
      • NA
    • Regulation and behavior
      • NA
    • Populations and ecosystems
      • NA
  • Science as Inquiry
    • Abilities necessary to do scientific inquiry
      • NA
    • Understandings about scientific inquiry
      • NA
  • Physical Science
    • Properties and changes of properties in matter
      • NA

State Standards Correlation

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User Reviews

Science Process Skills and Environmental Science
  Susanne Hokkanen (Orland Park, IL) on July 19, 2011
  If you have access to an outdoor classroom or learning environment this activity would be a great way to encourage the development of observational, investigative and recording skills in relation to environmental science. The project as discussed in the article is quite lengthy and would involve the dedication of at least 1 week or more of time spread out over a season. I would also be concerned about students not maintaining a lab notebook for the length of time required for this project. (I teach middle grades, and my students misplace or forget to bring their lab book frequently.) I would have the students complete “lab reports” to stay in the classroom to overcome this potential problem. Overall, this is a great lesson for combining environmental science exploration with scientific process skills. I hope to try it out this fall.