From: Al Evans (Al.Evans@cherokee.k12.ga.us)
Date: Wed Feb 12 2003 - 19:55:13 EST
We discussed as much methodology as content tonight, a first. Some had
negative reactions to vague leading questions which students struggled
with. We thought the question asked by the girl in the mixing of
ethanol and water about the possibility of alcohol evaporating was not
given enough attention by the teacher. This was great to remember
something that had been done previously and to apply it to this new
situation and should have been rewarded. Further a great teaching
moment was lost when the students could have brainstormed about how to
decide whether evaporation was a problem by doing another experiment!
For example, mix ethanol and ethanol and see if any disappears. Or
weigh the mixture and see if any has gone. We must celebrate
independent and creative thought whenever it occurs, whether it is right
or wrong, otherwise it will disappear. We liked the reminder that many
students are still in the concrete reasoning stage and need specific
visible examples like the nuts and bolts illustrating partial
ionization. I am hoping some of the group will stop lurking and post
clarifications, expansions and/or rebuttals to my report!
Al Evans
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