Learning about the Curriculum

         Today’s class was a great experience for me.  I had never looked at the Saskatchewan curriculum for science in depth before today and Dean Elliot, a science consultant with the Saskatchewan ministry of education presented to us on the new curriculum that was released online last week.  The curriculum for science classrooms in Saskatchewan can be found here, just click on what grade level you are interested in.

It was great seeing how the curriculum documents are set up and getting a peek at the new textbooks for grades 3,4, and 5. The pictures and activities within the book looked exciting and definitely caught my attention so I am sure they will be a great tool in any classroom.

            One point I took away from this presentation by Dean Elliot was his image of a materials list for a unit in a science course.  At first I thought the colours on it looked great, but the concept of this chart is what really struck me.  There was a list of materials needed and this could be done for one experiment, one lesson, or even an entire unit.  Once all of the materials are written down they are colour coded based on whether the school has them in a resource room, the school could order them, the teacher already has some or knows they could borrow the item from another teacher, or they are a low cost item and could be picked up by the teacher.  I think I just liked how this chart was organized and how it shows that the teacher who plans in advance will ensure they have the supplies and materials needed when the time comes.

            A second point that I found interesting was the discussion of The Scientific Method. I remember having the scientific method pounded into my head in my school experiences and how you had to follow this method to do well and do things correct. As was mentioned though was that there is no one method for art, so why are we limiting science to only one method.  Science, although usually viewed as a linear subject with linear process, is able to be flexible and can allow for individual interpretations and unique experiences based on the individual student.

            Overall this guest lecture was a great experience and put me a little at ease, especially when I realize I will be responsible for teaching students science.