Journal Reflection

1. Describe when you've used student journals in the past.
+I previously used journals with my 7th and 8th grade students along with a binder for their lab papers. The journals seems like a great tool for students to express their thinking but to me lack the structure needed to be certain ideas are fully elaborated and explained. I have also used journals with my 6th grade students as a section in their science binder. This system has worked well as a place to reflect, apply, and expand on things they have learned.
2. What were characteristics of good journal entries?
+Organization is key. Connections between what was learned in class to text, self, or the world. Complete and coherent thoughts that go above the basic answer to a question with examples.
3. What were some characteristics of not-so-good entries?
+Unorganized thoughts with little to no application.
4. How might you be able to help students create good journal entries?
+Model, model, model. And gradual release of responsibility - students seem to benefit most from a format to use at first so they have a guideline as what is the minimal expectation. Showing student work that is exceptional and having students scrutinize work that is basic and average and suggest ways for improvement.

Critical Review

I reviewed Peggy McDaniel's Envelope Investigation. I think she did a wonderful job observing things like the place the envelope entered the country (Michigan). Her inference that the envelope contained a Christmas card was the same conclusion that I came to given what was able to be seen.

Investigation 1 Reflection

Envelope #1

Observations:
1. There is an address label on the upper left corner with a yellow/white flower on blue background.
2. The senders address has been blacked out except for the area of orgin, which is: Massannuga (it is hard to read because the picture is a poor resolution), ON L5V 1J8.
3. There is a stamp in the upper right corner with two peiople dressed scarves and sweaters.
4. There is gray type text across the top and bottom of the envelope. The top text reads with numbers "061218" and text that says "Santa HOHOHO"
5. The recipients address has been blacked out except for the area which says "Dover, DE 19901-5862" and below "USA"
6. The back of the envelope has two small, white and gold stickers with stars on them.

Inferences:
1. This was mailed from another country.
2. This was mailed around Christmas time.
3. This was probably a card.

History:
The envelope contained a Christmas card mailed from a friend in another country and arrived on December 18, 2006.

Rock Investigation Reflection

Which were observations and which were inferences and how do you know?

+Observations - The information given in Question 1 was an observation, I know this was an observation because I needed to use my senses to determine the response...or I would have if I were able to actually touch the Tourmaline.
+Inferences - The information given in Question 2 & 3 were inferences, I used the observations I previously made and combined them with my own knowledge of rocks and minerals.

Examining the Student Experience

1. What observations can you make about your rock?

+ This rock is transparent, mossy green, there is a small crack, the edges appear sharp and unworn, this rock looks like it would be mostly smooth feeling.
2. How did this rock form?

+ I am not familiar with how Tourmaline is formed, but using my prior knowledge of rocks and minerals, I would speculate that because it is used as a gem stone and appears to one singular substance, Tourmaline is a mineral.
3. What is it made from?

+This is a mineral.
4. What don't you know about the rock yet?

+I do not know what type of mineral Tourmaline comes from.

+I do not know the origin of Tourmaline and where it is found.

Initial Post

This is my initial post in the blog.