Reflection of Science Observation

This observation of a science lesson on food webs was very insightful

and informative. The teacher began her lesson for these twenty five fifth
grade students by passing out a worksheet on freshwater food webs. The
teacher begins by identifying the animals and organisms on the worksheet.
She modeled what she wanted her students to do by drawing the arrows of
energy and explaining her thinking. I believe that by modeling what it is you
want your students to do first, they will have a clear idea of the expectations.
The next step the teacher takes is passing out a similar worksheet on
saltwater food chains. The students are guided by the teacher asking
questions and the students answering along. The teacher asks questions
such as How do you know this is where the arrow goes? What would
happen if ___ happened? etc. The teacher then draws the students answers
while asking valuable questions along the way for students to explain their
thinking. The teacher connects this worksheet to past activities the students
have done to deepen their understanding. I believe that guiding this learning
as the next step allows students to feel more confident for when it is time for
them to complete the independent practice. During the independent
practice, the students complete the worksheet on their own and then answer
discussion questions such as What would happen if the small fish died out in
the food web? the students paired up and discussed possible consequences.
I believe that discussions are essential in lessons and help facilitate learning
and problem solving. Even though this particular lesson was not hands-on

per say, it was very helpful and informative to students. It allowed students
to understand these concepts of food webs and energy transfer. Overall, I
believe this was an effective lesson in teaching food webs and energy
transfer. This would be a lesson that I would implement in my future
classroom and I gained much through this experience.