Kamryn Science Methods 1

1/30/2025 This week I learned more about the eight core characteristics for living things. I connected each characteristic with an example of a living thing to better help myself understand. Additionally I learned how it takes all eight core characteristics to make something a living thing. We looked at how a virus is not a living thing because it does not fall under all eight core characteristics. On top of that I learned about the structure of an argument using a claim, evidence, and reasoning when explaining why a virus was not a living thing.  This week I was able to take what was taught in lecture last week and apply it with an anchor chart alongside my table mates. In last week's lecture we went over the eight core characteristics for living things. Those eight include cellular composition, maintaining homeostasis, maintaining internal state, growth and change, movement, responding to stimuli, genetics and heredity, metabolism, and reproduction. In our anchor chart we used a ...

1/23/2025 This week we learned about the NGSS (Next Generation Science Standards). First, we learned how to navigate the website and find specific standards for various grade levels. Then we learned about the three different dimensions that are included in each of the standards and/or performance expectations. Those three dimensions are science and engineering projects (SEP), crosscutting concepts (CCCs), and disciplinary core ideas (DCIs).  It was clear where to find the performance expectations (PE) on the standards. I have seen the PEs before while substitute teaching and going over the Iowa Core Standards in other classes. There are a lot of different components that go into the whole of a standard so those other parts are confusing to look at and understand. The abbreviations were easier to understand once I was told what they were, for example LS is describing life sciences.  Everything that I learned can be applied to my future teaching career. As an educator I need to ...