Friday, November 10, 2017

Lighting up Lab with Bio-fuels using Inquiry

It was time to put our knowledge of Inquiry Based Instruction to the test! We were challenged with creating an Inquiry lesson and had to use the supplies from a Lab Aids Kit. We didn't have to use the kit as prescribed if we chose not too. I chose the Bio-fuels kit, and used an adaption of a prescribed lab. 

To create my lesson, I began by adapting a resource given to us by Krista Pontius and Mark Anderson. I adapted a lab handout to match what I wanted to accomplish in my lab. After that, it all just kinda fell together. See the link below to see the Lesson Plan and Lab Handout!


It was time to put my lab to the test! Due to a time limit for my actual presentation, we front loaded reading the background and writing a hypotheses. We then began the lab with there procedure puzzle, which they had to organize in the correct order. I did this because of the nature of the lab. It still allowed for student choice, but made sure that certain safety and chemical precautions were taken. Once all student's completed there puzzles, which I admit took longer then I expected, they were released to collect their materials and begin their lab. The students seemed thoroughly interested in the lab, in fact, when my time was up, they requested extra time to complete it! This is the point of Inquiry!!! Student driven learning!!! 

This lab was such a great experience! I learned so much about Inquiry and really enjoyed writing this plan. It also served as a great confidence booster as I have been deemed the "Rock Star of IBI" by my fellow cohort member's. I feel honored to have been able to assist my cohort member's on their understanding of IBI and helping advance us along our #PSUAGED18 journey. 


4 comments:

  1. Katie - this sounds like a great STEM topic. I am happy you felt good about your lesson and you enjoyed IBI. For not being there, and just reading your blog so far, I cannot piece together the topic and concepts of what you were teaching. Try to summarize EQ or key topics in your blog so if admin. would read it they would understand what was happening. Also double check to make sure your pictures and media show-up after posting. The video you included does not load. Great job and great idea sharing out your Google folder!

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  2. Katie, you did a very nice job adapting both the kit directions and the IBI lab handout to make it fit your lesson. What were some opps from this lesson that you can improve on to make this activity even better in the future?

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  3. Awesome job. You did great adapting to what worked best for you and your students...and that is the key! Keep up the positive attitude and confidence and you will do just fine. Remember, take small steps in the right direction!

    Good Luck!

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  4. Nice job! I was a bit bummed that I could not get the video to work. I am sure it was a problem on my end. I hope everyone else was able to see it!

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