An Interesting Approach: Hydro-What?!

This week in our lab it was all about the interest approach.  If you don't grab your students from the beginning, you've lost them until the end so attention-grabbing is key.  My lesson for this week was introducing hydroponic systems to a Plant Science class.

Students were given a table full of household materials (a container, a soda bottle, some fabric & newspaper, etc.) and some "nutrient solution" (in this case just water, but it would be the real deal during an actual lesson).  The goal was for my students to visualize how they think a hydroponic system worked even though we hadn't talked about them yet.  This way they would be challenged and eager to learn if they had created a successful system.

There were some things that I really liked about my lesson.  I liked that my students were challenged to think and process the mechanics of a simple hydroponic system while thinking about what a plant needs to survive and how the unit can provide such.  I enjoyed seeing them work through the task and throw out some great ideas.

But as with every lesson, there is always room for improvement.  I think if I were to conduct this lesson in the future I would change a few things.  I would have the students work in two teams to develop each system and then share with the class what they have created.  This would give the students a greater opportunity to be engaged whereas while working as a class, some students were checked out.

Overall, I was happy with the lesson.  I think I need to continue to develop my transitioning skills, which is one of my weakest points.  I think that will some good lesson planning, the advice of experienced teachers, and time, it will start to come together.

This week, I have decided to include the video of my lesson in my blog.  I would love for any of my teacher friends, students, peers, anyone really, to provide any feedback on my lesson or teaching style.  I strive to be the best I can be and I would greatly appreciate any advice you can give!  Thank you!