Teacher Observation #1 – Nichole Jones – STEM Lesson,

5th/6th Grade
Date: October 5, 2017
Time: 12:55 – 1:35
Location: STEM LAB (Specials Rotation)

Standard: S5P3. Students will investigate the electricity, magnetism, and their
relationship. b. Determine the necessary components for completing an electric circuit.
c. Investigate common materials to determine if they are insulators or conductors of
electricity.

Observation Summary: Today I observed Nichole Jones, the 5th and 6th grade STEM Lab
teacher at M. R. Hollis Innovation Elementary. When I enter students are working on a
STEM design challenge. They are designing their dream house and setting up the
electricity for the house. They must have a minimum of two rooms that have working
lighting.

Mrs. Jones reviewed the STEM design challenge by asking them questions related to
the process. The students are all currently at the design stage and they are going to
continue working on their dream house design. Students brought their own materials
from home. Some are using cardboard, Styrofoam, paper bags, foil paper, paper plates
and other items. He reminds them that they have limited time to build and that he would
stop them at 1:25 so that they can get to the next specials class on time. The students
are working collaboratively in their groups and they are definitely applying the
knowledge of what they have learned about circuits. It is evident in their designs, plans,
conversations and discussions about how to get the rooms lit.

During the lesson, Mrs. Jones is circulating through the classroom and stopping with
each group asking questions and redirecting students when needed. One group is
having difficulty getting along and she helps guide them to a resolution by having them
talk it out. They could not decide on the design of the house and she reminded them of
the time constraints and to keep the focus on the criteria by coming to a compromise.

At the end of the session two groups had two rooms lit with circuits. The other groups
were reminded that they would have time to complete the challenge next Thursday.
Some students asked if they could stay and continue working and Mrs. Jones told them
she would allow it, Mr. Blanche, the art teacher, said it was ok. During the last 10
minutes of class she allowed each team to share reflections of the day’s work and
wrapped up the session with them cleaning up.

Mrs. Jones was very enthusiastic and interacted well with the students. It was easy to
tell that she is passionate about what she is teaching and the students were all engaged
in the task. It was also very evident that the students have a strong grasp of the science
concept based on their ability to discuss components of and build circuits.