Science Methods Portfolio Amy L. Stec Bowie State University December 2008

Science Fair Project Hypothesis: Worms are more active in moist soil because semi-dry soil could dry the worm out, and drenched soil could drown the worm. Results: The worm burrowed itself the fastest in the drenched soil, an average of 1 minute and 8 seconds. Hypothesis was incorrect

Procedure Label each container with type of soil. Put 1,000 ml of soil in each container Pour 250 ml. of water into container marked semi-dry Pour 350 ml. into container marked moist Pour 450 ml. of water into container marked drenched Place worm in soil and measure amount of time it takes to burrow

Reflections While conducting my science fair project I originally thought that the worm would burrow itself faster in to the soil that was semi-dry. I thought the worm would have an easier time maneuvering through that particular soil. However, through my experiment I found the worm had an easier time in the drenched soil. I enjoyed doing my science project and will definitely incorporate an inquiry based project into my classroom when I am a teacher.

Science Teacher Interview Mrs. Lyon’s Crofton Meadows Elementary School 3 rd Grade Science  Taught for 2 years How do you feel about teaching Science? “There is a lot of preparation with very little reward” How does Science fit into classroom routine? “Science is conducted for 40 minutes, every other day. The students switch classes for social studies and science, the other teacher teachers Social Studies.”

Reflection After I interviewed Mrs. Lyon’s about Science I felt a bit skeptical about how I was to fit this subject into my classroom. Mrs. Lyon’s stated that there is very little time set aside for this subject and the children often have a hard time understanding. When I am a teacher I plan to include Science daily, even if it is interdisciplinary. Student’s need to learn about a Science to be productive members in today’s technological world.

Bulletin Board Project States of Matter Bulletin Board on States of Matter Interactive Factual Student Work

Reflections While creating this board, my group and I wanted to make it interactive and fun for students. We were able to find different states of matter that the children could manipulate and place in the correct area of the matter chart. I will include bulletin boards in my classroom to correspond with lessons that I am teaching.