How could I teach a lesson to 7th graders that I myself found boring? How could I get them engaged in light? In the past I have approached the lessons from a physical science standpoint, focusing on the properties of waves, the technological applications of light, and the use of lenses to bend light. Dull, dull, dull. How could I bring life into this subject?
My aha moment came to me at the Jellies Experience at the Monterey Bay Aquarium (see previous post titled "NO PERMISSION SLIP NEEDED"). The amazing light show put on by these creatures was mesmerizing. The lighting effects and funky music made it more cool. I wished I could bring my students to see this. Aha! This is how I can teach them about light!
Over the summer I researched the topic of bioluminescence. I came up with a one day learning experience called "DIVE! Into Bioluminescence". My classroom was transformed into a submarine. All windows were blacked out. I closed the door to my room and greeted my students in the hall with a serving tray of "sea-sickness medicine", otherwise known as wintergreen breath mints. I got into dive master mode and explained we'd be going on a deep sea dive to great depths, "watch your overhead space!" and "watch your footing!" in the cramped, poorly lit quarters. As they entered I heard a student say "it feels like I'm at Sea World". (I took that as a good sign.) A glowing jellyfish hung from the center of the class. Blue balloons that glowed hung from the ceiling. Students saw classroom specimens of coral, fish jaws, and live plants set around the room shadowed in an eerie glow. To appeal to more senses I played the clip here for the funky music effect and provide a preview of the topic.
After the students safely found their seats it was time for us to take the "sea-sickness medicine". The concept of triboluminesence was explained and I challenged the students to make sparks while crushing the candy with their teeth. Several were successful. While the mints dissolved I began showing a TedTalk with Edith Widder as our expert bioluminescence scientist. Then I showed some land animals and fungi with bioluminescent abilities. Afterwards, we discussed the different ways ocean life uses light. We discussed human applications.
I was finally enjoying teaching light. My students responded to my enthusiasm for the lesson. They came up with brilliant questions and wondered out loud if they could become bioluminescent. Many chose to blog about the DIVE! lesson for their bi-weekly blogging assignment. They became immersed in the idea of life with light. Mission accomplished.
My aha moment came to me at the Jellies Experience at the Monterey Bay Aquarium (see previous post titled "NO PERMISSION SLIP NEEDED"). The amazing light show put on by these creatures was mesmerizing. The lighting effects and funky music made it more cool. I wished I could bring my students to see this. Aha! This is how I can teach them about light!
Over the summer I researched the topic of bioluminescence. I came up with a one day learning experience called "DIVE! Into Bioluminescence". My classroom was transformed into a submarine. All windows were blacked out. I closed the door to my room and greeted my students in the hall with a serving tray of "sea-sickness medicine", otherwise known as wintergreen breath mints. I got into dive master mode and explained we'd be going on a deep sea dive to great depths, "watch your overhead space!" and "watch your footing!" in the cramped, poorly lit quarters. As they entered I heard a student say "it feels like I'm at Sea World". (I took that as a good sign.) A glowing jellyfish hung from the center of the class. Blue balloons that glowed hung from the ceiling. Students saw classroom specimens of coral, fish jaws, and live plants set around the room shadowed in an eerie glow. To appeal to more senses I played the clip here for the funky music effect and provide a preview of the topic.
After the students safely found their seats it was time for us to take the "sea-sickness medicine". The concept of triboluminesence was explained and I challenged the students to make sparks while crushing the candy with their teeth. Several were successful. While the mints dissolved I began showing a TedTalk with Edith Widder as our expert bioluminescence scientist. Then I showed some land animals and fungi with bioluminescent abilities. Afterwards, we discussed the different ways ocean life uses light. We discussed human applications.
I was finally enjoying teaching light. My students responded to my enthusiasm for the lesson. They came up with brilliant questions and wondered out loud if they could become bioluminescent. Many chose to blog about the DIVE! lesson for their bi-weekly blogging assignment. They became immersed in the idea of life with light. Mission accomplished.