Adventures in Authentic Learning

 As an aspiring science educator it can be difficult to come up with creative activities for students to engage in science learning. This can be especially difficult when working with older students, it can often seem like all the fun, creative ideas are better suited to younger audiences. This is why I am so glad that I found Adventures in Authentic Learning by Kristin Harrington, which provides some great lesson plan ideas, not just for the little ones but for our older learners too! 

One really great idea I found was in Lesson Plan 1.2: Hacking Science Labs (pg. 34). It outlines a lab based activity where students work in groups to conduct an experiment which they will document by making a video. The students will form their hypothesis with their partners and conduct their experiment while filming themselves. Their videos include explanations of their questions, hypothesis, methods and the results of their investigation. Older students can also explain or analyze their results and determine if their experiment can be replicated. 

This activity is a great way of blending technology use and lab experiments beyond just the use of computer simulated labs. Students enjoy getting to use technology during lessons and it can help peak students interests. Students who are more tech savvy will have the chance to show off their video editing skills to the class and help other students learn the same skills. I also really loved how well this activity lets us as teachers assess our students' understanding of experimental science concepts through their explanations, analyses, and use of vocabulary. The best part of this activity is that it can be adapted to any age level and to any lab experiment. Through posting the videos on an online classroom, this activity also allows students a fun way of showing their families what they are working on in school.