Sunday, 14 August 2016


A quick post before heading down to lovely Napier for a couple of days visiting schools...
One of our team, Margaret Giroux posted a couple of emails a child had shown her (the capability of Engaged in Science happening!). I watched them because the octopus is one of my favourite sea creatures -they just amaze me. The thing that really interested me was the fact I wanted to watch another video, and then another and then I had a question to look up...
These videos are a great way to develop awe and wonder and in a two to three minute stretch! What if children shared a video that they were interested in -It does make me wonder if there's a facebook-type website or program that students could use Hey, watch this video about the mimic octopus! I think padlet.com could work but there might be better ones out there.
As a teacher, could you post links, comments and questions? Is this an opportunity for students to "explore how science itself works"? Learning about the way scientists explore and find answers to questions they have is relevant to the Nature of Science in the NZC!
I do like the idea of children watching the video initially without the sound on so they can grow questions and excitement and then perhaps watch it again with the sound on (or perhaps in their own time?). Could the videos be used as a starter for a reading article, web page or for writing? The idea of using science for literacy is really important and an authentic context!
And finally it will develop awe and curiosity which I think is a bit of the essence of science!

Anyway a couple of links from Margaret:



have a great week!
Paul

5 comments:

  1. Great video we will be using this for writing tomorrow!

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    1. Just thinking... what if you just started with my photo in this blog? It's from the first few seconds of the video so you could just pause it before the kids see too much OR you could show the photo and ask the children "What do you notice?"

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  2. Marvellous! I do love the octopus!

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  3. Hi Paul. Have you heard of the Ocean 180 Challenge? Scientists are challenged to put together a 3 minute video that will explain their research to students of the Year 6-8 age group. Students view and then judge their videos. It's a great concept - Understanding, Communicating & Participating & Contributing in Science - Engage in Science :) PS: Octopuses are freaky creatures for sure!

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    1. That sounds interesting Deb... I know this is something that Alan Alda is very passionate about too (He's the guy from MASH which shows my age!!!)

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