Wednesday, April 18, 2012
Thoughts on an AMSTI Lesson
Constructivism is both cognitive and social. This lesson provided multiple representations of reality, without over simplification of the complexity of a real-life problem. There was an emphasis on knowledge for the use of construction rather than a reproduction of information. The tasks were meaningful and had a predetermined sequence of instructions. Additionally, it encouraged thoughtful reflection on personal experience as well as new found information. Finally, it supported collaborative construction through social negotiation and compromise, rather than competition for recognition.
You could apply this activity to science using new vocabulary to describe force, inertia, and gravity demonstrated in this activity. Math could be incorporated by simply recording successes and failures to solve for accuracy percentages. This activity leaves many technology options open with numerous videos to introduce the lesson and the possibility of creating a video to document the group efforts and results.
Each element presented in this lesson carry some type of constructivist characteristics. Supplementary activities and concepts would only enhance the cognitive and social aspects of constructivism. The scientific vocabulary is directly related to real life. Applying the knowledge of new vocabulary to create the “roller coaster” presents the aspect of producing something using understanding and comprehension. The operations of recording data, use of tally marks, and solving for percentages meaningful tasks that can and will be used in real word settings. Recording a visual document of this project allows the opportunity for thoughtful reflection on this experience. Combined, these elements, further the possibility for enhanced social interaction and cooperative learning in order to assemble something together.
Meet an Amazing Scientist
The first roller skates were invented in the early 1700’s. He wanted to go skating in the summer and so attached wooden spools to strips of wood which he then attached to his shoes. This enabled him to roll in straight lines but not to corner. These first roller skates were called Skeelers.
The man that is credited with the invention of the roller skate was Joseph Merlin. He was born September 17, 1735 and at the age of 24, in 1759, he skated into a ballroom playing a violin. Unfortunately he had not thought of a way to stop and so crashed into the large ballroom mirrors and broke his violin. His introduction of the roller skate was a success however as the first pair of roller skates were sold in Belgium in 1760.
The roller skate was a wooden sole that attached to a boot. They had 2 to 4 rollers made of copper, wood or ivory attached to the bottom in a straight line. They were again not very maneuverable and could only achieve wide sweeping circles. Despite this public interest grew and the first public skating rinks were opened in 1857.
Merlin is also responsible for improving musical instruments and manufacturing automata. He created Merlin's Mechanical Museum to display his machines. His Silver Swan automaton is now on display at the Bowes Museum.
Science Books for Children
Check out some of these books to enhance your students' scientific library.
Click here for link to a great children's literature website.
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