Participants are encouraged by Amy to investigate the spectral
glasses. In the foreground, Mary moves a hand-held flashlight to
observe the changes in color patterns. Participants are
encouraged to do more-observe the differences between
incandescent and fluorescent light, between fire and bulb light,
between "cold" light and sunlight, and to inquire. |
Additional inquiry related programs were presented throughout
the MAIS conference. Here Amy describes her middle school class
on design technology which challenges students to observe and
infer the purpose of inventions by Leonardo da Vinci. |
Vickie questions participants about the relationships between
math and science and involves them in doing an population census
of ants. |
Vickie reads a book about ants while two participants prepare a
dramatic play with ant finger puppets. Vickie then described the
benefits of using children’s literature in science and math
learning experiences. |
Note: Lesson plans for
several of the experiences included in the Pre-conference are
available among the Lesson Example Models of this web site.
Included are Parents and Babies, Magnets Are Attractive, Mystery
Boxes, Mystery Rocks and Minerals, Rock Talk, and Micromania.
Evaluation: The MAIS K-3 Inquiry Pre-Conference in
Seville focused on process skills, inquiry, investigation, and
design technology. While the program did not include formal
evaluation procedures, a sample of teacher and administrator
evaluative comments included, "Great! Just what we needed….", "I
can’t wait to get back to try these process skill and inquiry
activities with my students.", and "We need more of these kinds
of experiences in our school."
And since returning from the Seville Conference we have received
numerous messages from participants. Following is a sample of
some of them. From a MAIS school director in Valencia, "…a
wonderful, stimulating, thought-provoking 3 days." A Marymount
science leader wrote, "I had the most wonderful time and came
back inspired to keep pushing inquiry-based science." From a
teacher in Ambrit Rome, "I must say in years overseas, and many,
many conferences and in-services, yours is one of the very few
that was practical, hands-on, gave away useful classroom
materials, and was just plain fun! I am now sorting through all
the wonderful ideas I brought back." And from a science
curriculum leader in Trieste, "I’m scheduled to speak at our
staff in-service next week and am thrilled to have learned so
much to pass along to my colleagues. I hope I’ll be able to
teach them a bit about what you taught me." |
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Training Sessions |
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