Over the last two days, our first grade students experienced a special science lesson: Introduction to Earth and Rocks. This was a very cool, hands-on lesson where students had the opportunity to sift through sand to find a variety of rocks. Once each student found all the rocks in his/her sand, the rocks were rinsed and then a series of examinations began. Students determined hardness, type of rock and simply had a chance to compare the colors and feel to those found by their classmates. Seeing how excited these students were as they experienced science in a real way reminded me of how we are trying to create opportunities for authentic assessment of our students. In a previous post, I commented on the sense of wonder I had on snow days as a child. I saw this wonder as students found shiny rocks and colorful rocks and rocks that looked like glass. As we continue to educate our students, it is my hope that we can retain that wonder in the world forever.
Comments