ED223: Field Observation 3

Date: 11/30
Your Name: Kelcey Miller
18, 2016
Name of Center or Site:

15 Points

Due

Date of Observation: Tuesday, October

West Point Elementary

Type of Program: Mrs. Hamills

th

4 Grade Science Class

Age of Children:
9-10 years old

Time of Observation: 2:00

to 3:45
Number Present: Teachers: 1 Teacher and 1 Paraprofessional
Children: 22

Observational Task: Teacher Interview

Complete an in-depth interview of a classroom teacher for grades Prek-4
focused on science instruction. Questions should explore a variety of topics
including: the teachers philosophy for science instruction, the methods
employed to teach science, the materials used, how students are assessed,
the teachers personal science experiences. Additional topics can be
addressed at your discretion. Type questions and responses. It is highly
recommended that you record the interview to transcribe later (with the
teachers permission) If acceptable to the teacher, podcasts of the interview
will be accepted rather than a transcription.

During my interview with Mrs. Hamill, I first asked about her philosophy
for science instruction. She told me that she uses a hands-on approach

because it is important for the students to experience the concept with their
own hands. I next asked Mrs. Hamill about the strategies she uses to teach
science. She told me that their newest strategy is called notebooking, which
is keeping a journal. The students use the journals to record their predictions
and thoughts from the activities and experiments. The journals become
personal to each student since they include their own opinions and feelings.
The next question I asked Mrs. Hamill related to the materials she uses
to teach science. For notebooking, they use large composition books.
Chromebooks are also frequently used. In fact, the students are using
Chromebooks for their current house project. At the conclusion of the project,
each group will use Google Slides to create a presentation about their house.
The other materials Mrs. Hamill uses to teach science are sent to her with
each science kit. There is a kit for Land and Water, Motion and Design, and
Electricity.
Mrs. Hamill and I also discussed assessments. She told me that
throughout the unit, the students record notes and other important
information in their notebooks. Before the test, Mrs. Hamill reviews the notes
and informs them of what information will be on the test. They are always
tested on the vocabulary for the unit. Mrs. Hamill said it is imperative to
make sure the students understand the vocabulary because if they dont
know the vocabulary, they will struggle with the concepts. In addition to
vocabulary, Mrs. Hamill tests the students on other concepts that she thinks
are necessary for them to know. After our discussion about assessments, we
talked about what she does when students are having difficulty
understanding a topic. She told me that when this occurs, she goes back and
re-teaches the concept. She also shows the students a video related to the
topic or engages them in an experiment.
Next, Mrs. Hamill and I discussed her personal experiences with
science. She told me she really enjoys the subject and it was one of her
favorite classes when she was in school. Finally, we talked about the health
curriculum. Mrs. Hamill informed me that last year, the school received a
new health curriculum called The Great Body Shop. Mrs. Hamill told me

that unfortunately, science is only taught at the end of the year. She added
that it should be taught more often since it is so important.
In the end, I learned a lot during my interview with Mrs. Hamill. I
enjoyed hearing that her approach for science instruction is hands-on. I
believe this is the best way to learn. Students are more likely to remember
something when they actively participate in the learning. When I think back
to my experiences in school, hands-on learning activities are the ones that I
remember the most. It was also interesting to hear that Mrs. Hamill has
always enjoyed science. I am the same way. Science was also one of my
favorite subjects in school.
Interview Questions
1. What is your philosophy for science instruction?
My philosophy for science Instruction is hands-on, minds-on learning. It
is very important for the students to be able to experience science with
their own hands. It is also imperative that it is related to real life so
they are able to make a connection.
2. What strategies and methods do you use to teach science?
I use many strategies while teaching science. We have begun
notebooking. We also do questions of the day and hands-on lessons. I
do a lot of experiments as well.
3. What materials do you use to teach science?
We use large composition books for notebooking, Chromebooks, and
science materials that are sent to us through the science kits.
4. How are the students assessed?
The students are given notes and information that they keep in their
notebooks. We review before the test. They are tested on vocabulary
and certain areas that I feel are necessary for them to know.
5. What do you do when students are having trouble understanding a
topic?

When students are having trouble understanding a topic, I go back and

re-teach that certain area. I also do an experiment or find a video that
relates to the topic.
6. What are your personal experiences with science?
I really enjoy science. It was one of my favorite subjects when I was in
school. I am always looking for ways to relate the real world to our
classroom.
7. What is included in the health curriculum and how often do you teach
health?
We received a new health curriculum last year, which is called The
Great Body Shop. We only get to do health at the end of the year
when all of our science kits are complete. I feel we should be doing it
more often than just at the end of the year though.

Type a one page rationale/reflection about your observation. Include your

perceptions, thoughts, opinions, and reflections on your time in the
classroom. Include a PA Academic standard that ties to the specific
observation with an explanation.