Standard+3.3.2

=Advise and assist colleagues to design and implement high-quality and learning programs that enhance learning outcomes through innovative, engaging learning opportunities. =

In the light of the planning session we decided to change the lesson structure.

The 2 year 6 classes were combined so that rather than 1 lesson per fortnightly cycle each, they would have 2 lessons per cycle. We felt that this would enhance the students’ learning because they would have greater continuity and the level of engagement would remain high.

Their first lesson was held in the junior school and while it was not my timetabled lesson, I attended this lesson. We planned a free exploration with batteries, bulbs and wires. The students discovered that:-


 * the more batteries you have the brighter the light
 * you need 2 wires attached to different sides of the battery to make the bulb glow
 * it is possible to test whether batteries are dead or globes are blown

Some students were able to connect bulbs in series and in parallel and could describe the effects.

The next lesson was held in a lab and the students used power packs instead of batteries and were exposed to electrical symbols for batteries, bulbs, switches and wires. I had planned the [|activities for Plugged In]. Students were asked to make a single bulb glow and draw a circuit diagram using the symbols. (see “Make the Bulb Glow”)

Some students noticed that using the switch was like sending Morse code. Anticipating this I had prepared an activity using Morse code (see “The Morse Code”) and asking the students to make up a message, send it to a friend and ask the friend to decipher the message and send back a reply.

Again a number of students started connecting many lights to see what will happen.

The students were talking about their experiences and formulating their ideas about how electricity actually works. Once these ideas ~ based on observation ~ take form they can then start talking about them and seeing whether the ideas hold up when tested.

 Thus I have advised and assisted colleagues to design and implement high-quality teaching and learning programs that enhance learning outcomes through innovative and engaging learning opportunities.