Envelope #2 - Student Experience

Observations:

• blue envelope
• size of a card
• blue ink used to address the envelope
• post marked 12/30/06 through Royal Oak, MI
• Happy Holiday is stamped on envelope in black ink
• sent to someone in Dover, DE
• USA included in the address and underlined twice
• opened neatly on top
• return address sticker used (can't read it)
• postage was paid by weight instead of using a stamp

Inferences:

• the envelope contained a card and something else that caused it to be over the normal postage weight
• the person who sent the envelope was either originally from another country or didn't send things via mail often since USA was included in the address
• the person who opened the envelope used a straight edge

History:
This envelope contained a card and something else that added weight to it and was sent from Royal Oaks, MI to someone in Dover, DE. Upon receipt the card was opened with a letter opener.

Observation vs. Inference - Student Experience

In looking back at my previous post, I would categorize my description of the rock in the following way (this assumes that I'm actually able to touch and manipulate the rock):

Observations:
color
texture
streak
hardness
scent
vinegar test results

Inferences:
density
age
location found
how the rock formed
what the rock is made from

Examining the Student Experience

What observations can you make about your rock?











http://skywalker.cochise.edu/wellerr/rocks/igrx/pumiceL.htm

Color: tan, gray, off-white
Texture: rough, bumpy, lots of holes
Density: less than water at first
Streak: ?
Hardness: medium hardness, brittle
Age: ?
Scent: none
Location Found: ?
Vinegar Test: no bubbles

How did this rock form?
This rock was formed when rock within a volcano became very hot and pressurized. It then was ejected from a volcano. This rock cooled very quickly as evidenced by the freezing of gas bubbles within the rock. This is an example of an igneous rock.

What is it made from?
This rock is made from volcanic lava which is composed mostly of silica and feldspar.

What don't you know about the rock yet?
I don't know where on Earth the rock was formed or how old it is. I also don't know if it leaves a streak on a streak plate or not. I would guess that the rock wouldn't bubble when exposed to acid since it isn't limestone or marble and doesn't contain calcium carbonate.

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.

Learning Curve

Over the past 24 hours I have definitely found that there is a bit of a learning curve when taking your first online class. While I consider myself fairly technologically savvy, I have felt at times a bit like a buffoon!

I really appreciate the organization of the course and the fact that there are links to helpful information. I'm not sure that I would have gotten this far if it weren't for the access to "Creating a Blog with Blogger" and "Creating a Homepage in Blackboard" documents. Now that I'm feeling a bit more comfortable with the format of the course I think I'm ready to delve into the content. I think I understand the course requirements and the fact that we'll be blogging and posting comments to the discussion board as well as completing assignments.

There's one thing that I need help with...what is the purpose of the Blackboard Homepage? I set it up, but can't figure out what more I'm supposed to do with it. Somewhere I read that it was to share our blog with other participants, but I'm still not getting it!

First Entry

This is my first blog entry.