House of Science PD

At this week's staff meeting we were fortunate to have Louise and Peter Maple( Green Gauge science) to come and talk about a new science initiative called 'The House of Science'. With the support of REAP and local businesses they have put together 19 science kits, covering a range of topics, that are available for schools to use. There will be a free trial for the rest of this term and from next term there will be a cost to schools to pay for replenishing kit stocks after use. The science kits contain lesson plans and equipment needed to implement with a class of children on such topics as 'Mystery Box- The nature of science' , 'Who Dunnit?- Forensic science' , 'What's the buzz?- Electricity' and others. Louise and Peter showed teachers how the kits work and we got to trial some of the lessons and equipment. They were motivating, hands-on and definitely promoted the use of science skills, knowledge  and attitudes.  The kits issue and return  will be administered by REAP.

Maths Teaching as Inquiry
At staff PD meeting we spent time identifying students in our class that are at risk because they are not meeting expectations for their time at school. We spent valuable time discussing with colleagues priority learning goals for identified students. This was valuable discussion time to identify  progressions and clarify next learning steps for each student.
Here are some good pointers from PD meeting:
Broaden student understanding by providing problems to solve that involve authentic challenges and opportunities to apply knowledge or strategy learnt in new situations.
Use other strands to pose problems that require students to apply number knowlegde
Use bigger numbers in problem solving
Don't waste learning opportunities teaching what they already know
Insist students use most advanced strategies known
Make sure students are extended across the strands and operational domains
Search out e-learning opportunities to practise skills and knowledge
Remember the ALiM resources on NZmaths when planning learning opportunities for at risk students
Fluid grouping enabling students to move groups as need dictates
Be aware of gaps in students knowledge to work on but don't hold them back from using advanced strategies because of this. Plug the gaps and keep them moving on strategy acquisition and problem solving.
Lots of positive reinforcement and feedback specific to task learning that boost confidence and 'I can do it' attitude of students in maths

My second label post for RTC criteria