On a Gallery Walk (where we notice the fantastic learning that’s happening in our College) this week, I visited Anita Harris’ Year 8.8 science class. The students have been learning about Solar Energy and wind turbines. I was delighted to witness an experiment in action. The investigation aimed to determine the maximum power with different lengths of blades. It was a hive of activity, and the boys were actively engaged. I noticed the cultural forces that define our classrooms in play. I saw the opportunities providing a purposeful action that required all students to participate in the development of the understanding of solar energy (wind turbines) as part of their ongoing experience in the classroom.
I noticed the language and terminology used by the students that was associated with the task at hand. Additionally, I saw students (and staff) showing respect for and valuing of one another’s contribution of ideas and thinking in a spirit of ongoing collaborative inquiry. Finally, I heard students making connections to prior learning, and transferring this knowledge to the activity. I was so pleased that I caught this lesson in action!
