Schmoker, Chapter 6

Schmoker begins this chapter by listing some simple, essential ingredients he feels is necessary for a successful effective science curriculum.  They are as follows:

• close reading of selected portions of science textbooks.
• regular reading and discussion of current science articles.
• interactive lecture
• writing - from short daily pieces to longer, more formal pieces.
• a reasonable number of carefully designed science labs and experiments that reinforce the content being learned.

OK... Science is my passion... My first love... So, this chapter was special for me.  And I can honestly say, I agree with almost all that Schmoker had to say.  And for me, you guys know that is a miracle.

First of all, Schmoker makes the point that "more activities" is NOT what is needed in our science classrooms, especially if they are just given for the sake of having hands on instruction.  All activities must be tied directly to the content, the standards, and the looming assessments if they are going to be effective.  I agree with him 100% on this.  I have seen far too many teachers fill classroom time with one activity after another, and they never show the connection back to the standards or to the testing of the standards.
I recently had a person in one of my conference sessions in a state somewhere in the United States tell me that it was not her job to tell the students what they should learn from the standards.  I won't tell you all what I wanted to say to her.  I will tell you all that I was diplomatic.  But since I have an open audience, and no one can say I am pointedly talking about them, I am just going to say it here.  If you don't connect your lessons and activities directly to the content standards and the testing of those standards, you need a sign.  Now for your thoughts!

Sarah