What happens if the polar ice caps melt?

Based on the resources this week and prior knowledge I have on the polar ice caps, I believe that there will be much change in the Earth.  Humans, plants and animals will have to adapt or will be unable to survive. 

It seems that the predictions of flooding make sense for the amount of ice that will melt as it breaks off into the ocean.  That alone would mean many parts of the Earths land will be flooded and unable to support human, plant and animal life.  The other effects such as change in amount of salt in the water, which will change the currents that will affect the climate in some areas is also a major change that would require adaptations.  There chain reactions that would occur if the polar ice caps melt. 

I believe that humans are making huge changes in the Earth.  However, I am not totally convinced that the Earth is not going through a natural change.  I would like to know more about if the ice caps did melt, what are the predictions for Earth leveling out and readjusting to the changes. 

I would also like to know what else we can do to make more people not only aware of the changes that human are causing, but allow those people to be more thoughtful.  My husband for example believes that global warming is a natural phenomenon.  I have no problem with his opinion.  However, it seems irresponsible to not take steps in keeping Earth clean for our future.    

My Reflection on STEM Strategies Lesson

Writing the STEM Strategies Lesson for this week was a challenge for me.  However, at the same time it was something that I believe will be worth the effort to become more comfortable and confident with.  My first challenge was writing a lesson that was addressing a grade level and standard that I have not taught before.  I am very experienced writing lessons for lower elementary level standards.  By including the Historical Perspectives from the Benchmark online site, I worked on a standard at a sixth grade level.  So I felt a little unsure of creating a lesson that would engage a sixth grader as well as teach the standard effectively.  At the same time I am excited to have the opportunity to focus on science and learn how to be more effective when teaching science regardless of the grade level.

The 5 E's Strategy was  helpful when thinking of the different aspects that would make my lesson the most effective for all students.  Taking time to use the 5 E's helps the teacher make sure they have included activities, assessments, and instructional strategies to engage all  learners.  While engaging the learners, the teacher is also providing a meaningful teaching experience.  The strategies help me to think of all parts of the lesson and make sure that those parts are quality. 

The planning process was similar in ways such as getting students engaged by thinking about what they know, and want to know.  I also try to have the students think of a questions or what they will be finding out.  I do not give a lot of time to reflection for students.  Instead of questions to help students reflect on their learning I often summarize and have them do more recalling.  Allowing them more time to reflect on their learning will allow them to make the connection in their own way of thinking.  I also do not always include opportunities for students to make connections in their own lives.  I do use many assessments from simple observations to more formal pencil and paper.  I understand the importance of being observant to all the ways to can assess students understanding.


Overall I am very interested in being more experienced with the STEM Strategies and the 5 E's as a way to make my lessons more effective. 

First Blog!

Here is my first Blog!  I am very excited to learn how to do something new!