eLearning Investigation 1 Video

The students were placed in cooperative groups of approximately four students each for this activity. Within each group of four students, pairs of two students worked together on making observations and inferences about the envelope that they were given. The pairs of students then traded envelopes and decided upon which one they wanted to present to the entire class.

The students recorded their observations in marble composition notebooks which will become their science journals throughout the unit. This allowed them to record in whatever way worked best for them (ex. make a list, flow chart, web, draw pictures, etc.). This is a much more student-centered method for recording information than giving students a photocopied handout. Hopefully through the use of science journals, students will begin to take more ownership over their written work and journal entries.

The teacher served as a facilitator during this investigation. She circulated that room and asked students probing questions to extend their thinking. When students volunteered answers the teacher asked the students to further elaborate or did so herself. During this investigation, the students were left to formulate their own ideas with their partner and the teacher is simply present to ensure that students are clear on the difference between making an observation and an inference.