MS SCI 102-Teaching Science in the Elementary Grades

Module 3

Ishee Mae I. Paloyo II BEED 4

Activity 1. My Best Science Class Moments

Recall the best moments you had in your science class when you were in elementary. What
were you doing? What was your lesson? What made it the best moment?

 The best moments that I had in our science class is when I am Grade 3.I was like every
lessons taught by my science teacher is I am going to memorize because in another day
she had a recall lesson on what have learned on yesterday topics.The best lesson I still
remember and my likely is about the "Animal & Plant Life Cycles" and of course what
made it the best moment is after we have a discussion we do some activities about the
lesson and I got a perfect score in that activity.

Activity 2. The Principles of Constructivist Teaching and Learning

What are the principles of constructivist theory in teaching science?

 Constructivist teaching is built upon five major principles, which explain how
constructivist classrooms are different from traditional classrooms.

These principles are:

1. Teachers Seek and Value Students' Points of View

Unlike traditional teaching, where students are expected to provide the one right answer the
teacher is looking for, in a constructivist classroom students are encouraged to elaborate on
their ideas and use evidence to bolster their opinions. Through supportive questioning,
teachers can get students to communicate what they're thinking and why.

2. Classroom Activities Challenge Student Assumptions

Through constructivism, students are encouraged to explore an aspect of something that they
haven't tried or thought about before. Whether that's a new product (such as writing a
screenplay instead of an essay) or a new point of view, constructivist teaching is about
challenging and broadening student views.

3. Teachers Pose Problems of Relevance

Constructivism is about exploring complex, real-world problems that allow students to engage
with the material. Tying learning to ideas or problems that relate to the students' lives and
interests can help bolster their motivation to learn and deepen their understanding of material.

4. Teachers Build Lessons Around Big Ideas

There are certain essential concepts that students need to learn, such as understanding cause
and effect, critically analyzing documents, or inquiry-based exploration. Lessons in
constructivist classrooms are built to encourage mastery of these essential concepts or big
ideas.

5. Teachers Assess Learning in the Context of Daily Teaching

Traditionally, teachers give information for a certain amount of time and then hand out a test
to see if students learned the content. In constructivist teaching, assessment is about spending
time every day focusing on what still needs to happen for student success. Assessments are
often authentic and in-the-moment, such as discussion questions or collaborative projects.

Activity 3. The Traditional Classroom vs. The Constructivist Classroom

How does a constructivist classroom look like compared to a traditional classroom?

Characterize a constructivist classroom by completing the list of features in the second column.

Traditional Classroom Constructivist Classroom

Adherence to fixed curriculum Pursuit of student questions and interest

Textbooks and books Primary sources and manipulative materials

The instructor gives and the students receive Learning is interaction building on what
students already know

Knowledge is inert Knowledge is dynamic/change with

experiences

Assessment via paper and pen test Assessment via student works,
observations,points of view and tests.

The instructors assume authoritative role Instructor interacts, negotiates with students

The students work individually Students work in group

Activity 4 The Constructivist Teaching Strategies
Try out your knowledge and understanding of constructivist teaching strategies by selecting
appropriate strategies that will complete the table of alignment below. Make sure that the
teaching strategies match the target topic and competencies.
Topics Competencies
Animals Describe animals in their
immediate surroundings.
Characteristics of solid, Describe different objects
liquids and gases based on their
characteristics. (e.g. shape,
weight, volume, ease of
flow)
Proper disposal of waste Identify the effect of
decaying materials on one's
Constructivist Teaching
Strategies
Enumerate ways of grouping
animals based on their structure
and importance.
I will show some power point
presentation/video clips about
matter to start the discussion.
I ask question:
 "What makes up an
object?" after the
discussion.
I will divide my student into
small groups and visit a place in
our school and each of them will
collect 10 objects and they will
classify it based on their
characteristics.
And after the activity will ask
them,
 How can you classify
objects based on their
characteristics?" to make
a generalization.
Recognize and practice proper
handling of products.
 health and safety.

Human sense organ Enumerate healthful habds I will show some real objects
to protect the sense organ. that are used to clean/protect
the sense organs then I will ask
my students,

 Do you know what it is

and what it is used for?

Heat and electricity Describe sources of light, Apply the knowledge of the t
sound, heat and electricity. sources and uses of light. sound,
heat, and electricity.