CHDV 210 Math/Science Activity Self Evaluation Form

Why did you choose this particular activity? (DRDP, conversation with child, etc.)
The goal that I had for this activity was to encourage critical thinking by a visual representation
using the materials provided to determine if an object floats. I wanted children to be able to
predict whether an object was going to sink or float. For that week, it was all about fall and
apples. So for my activity, I wanted to incorporate natural items for children to use. According to
Curtis and Carter, however, many program environments lack anything that evokes a sense of
magic or intellectual curiosity, (Curtis, 122). This is why I wanted my activity with child
involvement. I believe children learn by doing rather than watching a teacher do it for them.
What were the strong points of this activity?
The strongest point of this activity was definitely the engagement of the children. They really
enjoyed all the different items as well. As stated by Curtis and Carter, as the seasons change
outdoors, a pleasant addition to a classroom is an attractive table top arrangement reflecting the
transforming colors and natural materials children are seeing outside, (Curtis, 118). This is why
I wanted to use natural items so the children could have something to relate to.
What were the weak areas?
One of my weak areas were keeping the childrens hands out of the water. Once one child started
playing in the water, the other children joined in as well.
What specific changes did you try out when you presented the activity a second time?
For my redo, I added more items that would sink to the bottom and also I changed how
approached the activity.
Evaluate the success of these revisions. How might you improve next time? (Focus on your
teaching skills)
The way I approached the activity was very helpful. The last time I had done the activity, some
children were tempted to take a bite out of the apple. I would tell the children that the apple was
dirty and we would need to clean it before we could eat it. The second time I did the activity, I
explained to the children that the apple was real but we are not using it for eating. Also, I kept
the bucket close to me so the children would not stick their hands in the water and just observe
the objects.

Did your curriculum activity meet your stated objective? Support your answer with
specific examples from your observation of the childrens involvement in the activity.
Yes, my activity did meet my objectives because the children were able to predict whether the
object floated or sank. As stated by Epstein, Inquiry skills are in evidence when preschoolers
are exploring, objects, materials, and events by acting upon them and noticing what happens,
(Epstein, 42). There were some objects that I thought would sink but actually floated and the
children were also shocked. According to Curtis and Carter, with an intellectually engaging
environmentyoung children can develop many healthy dispositions toward learning and
acquire skills, deeper understandings, and increasing curiosity about and respect for the amazing
world, (Curtis, 122). The children did stay engaged and participate to put the objects into the
bucket.
Based upon your informal assessment of the children during this activity, how would you
build upon this activity? What would be the next curriculum activity you would plan in
this area to enhance the childrens learning and why would you choose this next activity?
The way I would build on this activity would be to write down the predictions the children made
for each object. I would write down sink or float and put down what every child thought what
would happen. Then for circle time, we would talk about what happened and if we were right
about our predictions.

Works Cited
Epstein, Ann S. The International Teacher: Choosing the Best Strategies for Young
Children's Learning. Washington, DC: NAEYC, 2007. Print.
Curtis, Deb, and Margie Carter. Designs for Living and Learning: Transforming Early
Childhood Environment. St. Paul, MN: Redleaf Press, 2003. Print.