When students are provided with numerous opportunities to
consult with experts they are more apt to explore their curiosities and act upon
their passions; it is the excitement of believing that someone can answer all of
your questions, and the reality that with each answered question a new one
arises. There is nothing more inspiring then a group of engaged students, a
teacher facilitator who fosters a environment where students are curious and
take risks, together with a parade of experts in a wide range of fields. In our
interconnected world there are vast opportunities for students to interact
directly with experts: in person, through field trips, twitter, blogging and
through Skype. It is my hope that this academic year becomes a continuous
parade of experts creating winding streams of questions....
The parade has begun, enabling our 4th grade
students to support their study of the Chesapeake Bay Watershed by
participating in a webinar with PhD student Brandon Conroy through VIMS, the
Virginia Institute of Marine. Students first received an overview of Brandon’s
research interest of Zooplankton, followed by information on his studies in Antarctica,
the Amazon River and the Chesapeake Bay. Then came the stream of questions:
If the amount of zooplankton doubled would we get rid of
nutrient pollution?
How long do zooplankton live?
Were zooplankton alive in the time of the dinosaurs?
How has the zooplankton population changed or affected the
Chesapeake Bay?
Students were engaged, thoughtful learners involved in an
authentic learning endeavor. Let’s keep the parade marching (and the plankton
wandering…..).
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