Collaboration
Collaboration with School Librarian
I have collaborated with the school librarian by bringing my classes once a week for mini research skill lessons. Students get a change of scenery including who the information is coming from and the skills they learn are then used in class with projects. So, skills are learned and then applied. The picture is of one of my classes with the librarian for a research skill lesson on how to take notes. Please utilize your resources! Teachers are stretched thin enough. Work together to work smarter, not harder.
Collaboration with Assistive Technology Specialist
I have collaborated with assistive technology specialists by bringing my students to the lab to practice skills they have learned or need to learn when working on the computer. Such as logging in by themselves, opening and closing documents, using the internet, and using JAWS to read what is on the screen. I have also talked with the AT specialist about where the students in my classes are with their technology skills and we have worked together to set up a plan as to what to work on first and what projects they can do to assist them in developing those skills. This can also involve other devices such as braille notes and victor streams. The picture is of students using JAWS to do research on the internet and write their information in a word document. Again, you don't need to do everything yourself as a teacher. Even though we are made to feel that way. Please collaborate with each other.
Collaboration with Other Science Teachers
I have collaborated with other science teachers by exchanging ideas (such as QFT), curriculum development (such as SBG), and planning combined field trips. The picture is of students seining that my colleague (other science teacher - teaches DHH students) and I took to the VCU (Virginia Commonwealth University) Rice Center. We went to the facility over the summer and worked with graduate students to create a weekend of activities that would immerse students in scientific wetland field work. Students experienced seining, water quality testing, owl calling, identifying star constellations, birding (caught and released birds), chlorophyll activity in leaves, and winogradsky columns. You don't have to go far to get out into nature. Walking around the school or going to a park close by can be full of interesting learning opportunities.
VCU Rice Center Article
Collaboration among students
I encourage my students to collaborate with each other since communication is very important in science. One of the ways I do this is to have students do group projects. An example of a group project is pictured. Here is a model students built for their exploravision project. Students picked the recorder technology. For the project they researched how recorders work, the history of recorders, designed their own recorder that could come about in the future, listed the pros and cons of their designs, and then entered the exploravison contest. Students had to figure out what they wanted to say, how they wanted to change the technology, and how to create their model. This really made the students think. Even having your own school science fair is an opportunity for students to dive into what they find interesting, work in groups or by themselves, and grow in their confidence. I'd be happy to help anyone interested in setting up a science fair for their school.