Site Observation (30 Points) - Rubric located @ http://www.jhargis.com/siteor.htm and a student example can be found at http://www.jhargis.com/SiteOEx1. 

Part 1: Context - Provide a description of the school, classroom and students in which your observation and interviews are conducted. Discuss the TOTAL learning environment (physical, academic, SES and emotional) present in the school and classroom. Describe the student composition of the class and the school.

Part 2: Student Interviews - Interview at least three children of varying ages and ask them at least the following questions (obviously, you will want to prompt, probe, etc.)...

• What is science?

• What does a scientist do?

• What would you be doing if you were studying science at school?

Summarize the results of your interviews. Be sure to ask probing and clarifying questions when necessary. Analyze the students’ responses (which, of course you would do with theoritical models, learning theories, methods, best practices, etc.). What do the responses tell you about the students’ conceptions of science and how science has been taught (remember, this is not your opinion, this is a rational response that connects theory and application)?

Part 3: Teacher Interviews - Interview at least two teachers that teach at different grade levels. At a minimum, ask them...

• What is their approach to teaching science?

• How much time do they spend teaching science?

• What types of things do they do when teaching science?

Summarize the results of your interviews. Analyze the results of your teacher interviews. What insights have you gained as to how science is taught in these classrooms?

Part 4: Classroom Observation - At a minimum, focus on the following questions and aspects:

• Describe what occurs during the four parts of the lesson: opening, middle, closing and follow up.

• What are the goals, objectives, and Sunshine State Standards being addressed in the lesson?

• What concept (s) are being taught?

• How were these concepts taught (instructional strategies used)?

• How long was the lesson?

• What motivations were used to get the students “hooked” on the lesson?

• Were the students actively involved in learning science and how were they involved?

• What texts and materials were used in the class?

• How were materials and supplies distributed and collected?

• Describe the working configurations that occur during the class (whole class, groups, partners).

• How were safety precautions handled?

• What types of assessment were done to ensure mastery of the lesson?

• What type of classroom disturbances occurred and how did the teacher and students react?

• Summarize the results of your observation.

• WHAT TYPE of SCIENCE POSTERS DO YOU SEE?  DO YOU THINK THEY ARE APPROPRIATE - WHY/NOT?

Part 5: Analysis

• What instructional strategies for teaching science did you observe?

• How is this class addressing the Areas of Concerns in Science? Be specific.

• If you were a student in this class, what would be your feelings about science?