Project Based Learning in Biology---Gardens With Healthy Foods Grown by Students:)

Imagine biology classes creating project based learning activities that would motivate students to build gardens which would provide them with more nutritious eating choices than many are used to eating. 

This is a chapter of biology which until recently didn't receive much attention in the biology class due to the pressure to address all the biology standards before the state standardized test was administered.  With this SEED TO TABLE learning project, students develop an understanding of the joys of gardening that they never would have experienced within the confines of a classroom.  Here, students build their own gardens from scratch and nurture them right up to the point of harvesting.  Many have never had this opportunity to explore the benefits of gardening in their own homes so there is a look of awe as they see their small seedlings develop into edible plants.

Other great features of gardening is the development of teamwork.  Students work together to accomplish a shared task.  This opens up talking opportunities for English language learners, shy students, students with special needs, etc.  With the teacher there, academic language is everywhere within reach of every student.  Another plus is the connection to math.  This connection is a real world one.  For example, planning a meal from this produce involves measurements.  Cooking involves proportions of vegetables and condiments.  Students must also determine how to provide food for a given number of guests. 

Last, but not least, is the fun element:)

Denise

ELL TEACHER PROS

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Earth BEFORE Satellite Images:)

Today's student population has grown up with millions of images of earth from satellites and spacecrafts mapping out this solar system.  Yet, how many have ever explored images of the planet before the age of space exploration?

In teaching astronomy, technology, ecology, space exploration, photography, etc., this site would  offer a view of humanity's achievement over time in bringing the solar system (here Earth) directly into the classroom in vibrant detail and color. 

Potential Activities for students:

1.  Students could do timelines on the technological advances which led up to Google Earth for example.  They are very visual and students at any English proficiency level could complete the task with minimal assistance.

2.  More advanced students could look at the advantages the improved technology could offer as opposed to the very early images.  This could also be part of a biology course at middle school or high school.

3.  Multi-level groups in language ability could compare/contrast early images with current ones.  How are they different?  How do the improvements over time support the work of scientists, astronomers, ecologists, meteorologists, environmentalists, etc. ?

4.  For the highly creative, have them make projections as to how this technology will evolve in 50 years.

Common Core fits into this with ease.  Students are encouraged to read, analyze, project, synthesize, write, etc.  Teachers here facilitate.  Students create:)


Denise

ELL TEACHER PROS

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Explore the Wonders of the OCEANS With Your Students!

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (N.A.S.A.) has some incredible resources for all grade levels on earth's oceans.  The photographs are stunning and would fill a room of students with thoughts of wonder and awe---even high school kids.

NASA OCEANOGRAPHY AND EARTH SCIENCE--Here the focus is on expanding our knowledge of the planet:  global atmosphere, global oceans including sea ice, land surfaces including snow and ice, ecosystems, and interactions among the atmosphere, oceans, and ecosystems, including humans.  This section provides memorable context breathes life into any textbook or lecture.

The more we understand our changing climate and its interaction with life, the more attention we will pay to our everyday activities and how they affect the planet.  As educators, the more time spent on making this topic accessible to our students, the more responsibility they will take on in safeguarding the planet for future generations.

NASA FOR EDUCATORS  offers educators free access to much of its vast resources on earth and beyond.  This type of support for ELLs especially makes the textbook accessible.  With such access, learning occurs.

Denise
ELL TEACHER PROS

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Challenging Science Content Presented in Non-Traditional Layout---GAMES!

With the number of ELLs increasing at record numbers in the U.S., schools must make demanding core content materials accessible without watering them down.  Science classes have very challenging content which ELLs struggle with on a regular basis.  One support for teachers to use with them is the internet.

Here is a science academic game site which can be used as part of a lesson or for additional instructional support for ELLs when time permits in class (or to use at home if they have a computer and have access to the internet).  ACCESSING SCIENCE CONTENT THROUGH EDUCATIONAL GAMES  offers review game-like activities in evolution, plants, animals, bacteria, cells, DNA, ecology, fungi, etc.  When sites like this one are brought into a class with ELLs (or other struggling students), they provide more time for such students to better familiarize themselves with key vocabulary and major concepts.

With final exams fast approaching, this might be another way to assist students in preparing for their finals.

Denise

ELL TEACHER PROS