U.S.

Observation #1

01/31/16

As a final intern, I felt more prepared and comfortable with my first observation.
My students are learning about space so the lesson I taught focused on galaxies
specifically. During this lesson, I was surprised to learn how many of my students already
knew about space and our galaxy. I planned on having the students do a gallery walk but
decided to have them stay at their seats. During the lesson I could pick up on my students
vibes and decided that keeping them at their seats for this activity would be best. After
all, I wanted to foster learning rather than playing so I made this decision purposefully. If
I were to teach this lesson again, I would have the students sit in pairs and provide them
with more than just 4 galaxies. After watching the video, I noticed that only one or two
students were making the observations, while the other students copied down their
thinking. I think by grouping the students differently there will be a lot more participation
and student involvement. Another thing that I would do is a whole class discussion in the
middle of the lesson. I would do this so that I could track student thinking and make sure
they were learning and studying the correct material. After going back and reading some
of their exit ticket questions I noticed that some students were confused on the order in
which objects are in space. In one of my classes we learned the importance of activating
students prior knowledge. Next time, I will be sure to make sure the students have the
foundation set forth and the knowledge needed to understand this new lesson.

In this lesson, students learned about our galaxy and what is made of. They drew a
model of the universe, galaxy, solar system, and earth. They had to read an article, make a
t-chart, and use all of their materials to answer a reflection/exit ticket question. From the

questions specific to differentiation, I chose question number one. I provided students

with the opportunity to draw, write, and complete a chart at an attempt to provide them
with some differentiation in their work and their assessment that I would be collecting, I
looked at their drawings, t-chart, and reflection to make sure I gave them a fair chance to
demonstrate what they learned. I also chose question number six to answer and I plan to
teach students about the solar system specifically now that they understand our galaxy. I
know that some students come into this topic with misconceptions so next time I will
make sure that I address them first before I move on with the lesson. Some of my goals
include making sure that all students are participating and engaged in my lesson. I plan to
use some of my inquiry from last semester to help me with this. Another goal includes
making sure students are gaining the correct knowledge and redirecting their learning
when necessary.

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