|
NORTHEASTERN
Conewago Elementary School in the Northeastern School District is nestled in York's peaceful farmlands. When we arrived at this contemporary facility, the principal and his office staff greeted us and offered coffee while we waited to visit the classrooms. After a short interval, we joined Marie Hammond's fourth grade classroom where her students were conducting investigations using the STC kit Electric Circuits.
|
The students began their hands-on activity at varying
degrees of organization. Some groups had complex
circuits with a switch that had been built in a
previous session, whereas at least one group found it
necessary to construct the entire simple circuit.
Marie allowed time for the students to prepare their
materials.
A few students arranged their materials on the
student guide and began construction directly on the
book. This method enabled the student to read the
directions without moving away from the circuit. Such
a strategy became particularly important when the
students were clipping the wire onto the fahnstock
clamp because without the close attention of the
student, the connection could easily become unstable.
|
Marie used the more advanced students as mock-
teachers that could help other groups. Using students
to solve problems can enhance the skills of both
parties. The more sophisticated student can further
enrich their communication and process skills. The
student who is tutored can increase their level of
understanding in a climate that is more relaxed and
encouraging toward problem solving. Students who can
explain the proper way to hook up a diode in a
circuit are demonstrating a deep understanding of the
complex circuits used in this kit.
|
Supplies are arranged in order to allow students to
move on to more complex work, but since the materials
for this kit are relatively expensive, it is
important to limit the amount. |
 In a previous class the students were challenged to build their own flashlights and so it became necessary to salvage parts from that project as well.
|
Marie reminds her students often to think about and
record a plan before connecting the circuit. This
allows the students to pinpoint mistakes in their
circuits that are not working correctly.
|
 When connecting the diode to a properly connected circuit, the only variable should be the alignment of the diode.
|
There is a section within the Electric Circuits kit
that introduces electrical symbols to the children.
Marie did not miss the opportunity that this part
presented to her class. |
 The symbols represent the electrical parts that are connected within their circuits. The lesson identifies these symbols as a "secret language" which makes it all the more exciting and motivates students to learn it. Marie's students were able to not only write about their work but could also draw the circuits in symbolic terms that require a higher order of thinking.
|
The students display a deeper understanding of the
content when they can build a complex circuit that is
precise and draw it in symbolic language.
|
 Assessment can be accomplished by checking the diagrams that the students have recorded in their logs or lab sheets.
|
