Goals for “Critter Activity” F to begin to form a community of learners F to introduce and model inquiry-centered teaching F to introduce teaching strategies such as journaling, KWL charts, wisdom walk, active participation, brainstorming, F to provide a common experience that can be reflected upon throughout the month

On the poster: This is the subtitle

Making further observations Observe and write questions about how the fish: 1. eats 2. moves 3. protects itself from predation 4. is adapted to its environment 5. reproduces

Making Notebook Entries Qualitative observations Related comments or questions Quantitative observations

Data Collection 1. Make a group plan on what data to collect and what tools are needed. 2. Choose one person to go to equipment table and get tools. 3. Take about 20 minutes to collect data. Record data and questions in journals. Return your tools when finished

Presenting Your Data 1.Talk to each other – collaborate to summarize your findings 2.Prepare a data display (tables, graphs, charts) 3.Each students’ handwriting should be on the poster 4.Write your group’s 3 most interesting questions on the bottom 5.All charts taped on wall

A Wisdom Walk Start with your team at your own poster. Rotate clockwise around the room at the signal. Do not talk. Notice, as you read others’ posters: - What is different from your work? - What surprises you? - What question, posed by another group, do you find the most interesting?

Reflection:  When and where were instructors assessing your thinking and understanding?  How were you engaged?  At what point did you draw on previous experience? Would this activity require that a teacher start with background information?  What can be learned through activities like this?  What kinds of things are not effectively learned in this way?