The Science Classroom - It's a Wild Ride

		Stop by Theresa's Science Classroom... "Knowledge of science principles is what makes life so interesting and inventive. Science concepts can energize the reading/writing process and at the same time can give math a purposeful meaning for its existence. This is the content that I knew I had to teach eventually. ." --Theresa Maves Theresa teaches physical science to eighth graders at O'Leary Junior High. Her science classroom reflects the activities and projects she equates with powerful learning. Learning resources and teaching materials can be seen on shelves and on tables, evidence of an active and engaged science classroom. At O'Leary Theresa was introduced to standards-based teaching. She became involved in the district science committee, and has been contributing to its work for the last five years. She helped develop science standards, benchmarks, and a science assessment that all 8th graders take at the end of the year. "This has been an incredible learning experience, and even though it is our 5th year, I still think we are a few years away from having something really solid and time-tested. It just isn't quite what we are looking for, but I have learned that this journey is an evolving one." --Theresa Maves Idaho Science Content Standards for 7th/8th Grade
Technology Integration		In the science classroom Theresa and her students have access to two televisions, two VCR's, one computer, and one printer. The team shares one scanner, two digital cameras, two portable Zip drives and a digital video camera. They have access to 3 laptops and 2 data projectors from the media center on a check-out basis. "Teacher and student presentations, managing Internet use, Internet research, organization modes, simulations, and communications are the major areas that I emphasize using technology." --Theresa Maves Theresa integrates technologies relevant to the learning goal. This may include using probeware for accurate measuring, the Internet or simulation software for group demonstrations, or simply the effective use of video to convey a complex concept.
		"Just this year I have started to focus on technology goals that will have the most return on my investment of time and the hardware and software that I have available. I don't want to spend all the time to create a multi-media presentation that will give the same results as a lesson I can create on an overhead in half the time. I want technology-enhanced lessons that actually do a better job at helping students learn the information and invite them to think at deeper levels." --Theresa Maves Theresa appreciates what she defines as "cost-efficient technology software and hardware". For example, an eighty-dollar program used with her projector can save hundreds of dollars in other materials that she would normally have to buy for teaching a complex concept. This leaves her free to purchase the materials that are best suited for hands-on manipulation.
Classroom Data		Theresa' classroom contains 19 student desks, 3 tables, and two teacher desks. There are two sinks, a lab demonstration table in the front and one large strorage room with a separate door. The room dimensions are 12.5 x 10 meters, providing her students hands-on activity space for large scale constructions such as the roller coaster project.
		O'Leary Daily Schedule Primetime 8:20-8:37 Block 1 8:41-10:06 Block 2 10:10-11:35 Block 3 11:39-1:31 (Planning Time - Red Days) Block 4 1:35-3:00 Primetime 8:20-8:37 Block 5 8:41-10:06 Block 6 10:10-11:35 Block 7 11:39-1:31 Block 8 1:35-3:00 (Planning Time - White Days) Theresa's Student Demographics
		By viewing Theresa's science classroom from a panorama image the activities and projects are clearly in evidence. Explore Panorama of Theresa's Science Class (requires QuickTime plug-in)