Bringing a New Approach to Chemistry

Date: January 11, 2018
Class: Introduction to Chemistry
Lesson Title: What are characteristics of light?

Lesson Objectives:
1.       Define a quantum of energy, and explain how it is related to an energy change of matter.
2.       Using Planck's equation, calculate the energy of a quantum of light from the frequency or wavelength.
3.       Compare the wave and particle natures of light.

Never being a huge fan of chemistry myself, I was skeptical as to how my visit to Kaitlyn Thursby’s chemistry class would go. I had already heard great things about her teaching style from various teachers and students in the building, which intrigued me to go observe her in the first place. Ms. Thursby was one of the first teachers in the building to utilize Google classroom and incorporate a some what of an inquiry based approach for her teaching method. 

As the students came into class they were assigned a number, as well as a number range for what bellringer they would complete that day. For example they would be assigned bellringer number 159 and expected to have that done, in addition if they were done early they would have access to questions 160-165 to continue to practice on. I found this approach interesting as I have never witnessed anything like it but the students appeared to take to it as it had become a routine. Ms. Thursby was able to ensure they were diligently working on their bellringer through utilizing the teacher view on Google classroom which allowed her to view each individual student’s I-pad screens.
                
While chemistry can often be a dry subject to learn content knowledge, in my opinion, Mr. Thursby’s teaching style was far from my initial assumption of chemistry. She continued to ask questions to keep students engaged and provide visuals, truly connecting with each type of learner. Following a quick review of homework and an introductory lecture, students were “released” to work on their own. Students were given a variety of problems to work through the remainder of the class. During this time in class students may work in teams or individually, while also given the opportunity to move throughout the classroom. What an interesting idea to incorporate into the classroom. Students truly appeared to show greater enthusiasm towards the subject being allowed to work at their own individual pace. 

Students had full access to Ms. Thursby to ask questions and receive individual help. However, Mr. Thursby continued to help students work through problems rather than just giving them the answers. Students would truly light up when achieving the desired outcome, and Ms. Thursby would celebrate that success with each of them. 

A Little about Ms. Kaitlyn Thursby:  Her enthusiasm for teaching chemistry came as she was working towards obtaining her Ph.D. in Chemistry at The Pennsylvania State University. She mentioned that during her studies she naturally preferred to be in the teaching labs helpings students and editing curriculum instead of being in her own research lab. After a a year and a half into her Ph.D. program she finally made the switch to complete a masters of education in curriculum and instruction, while simultaneously receiving her teaching certificate. It's evident that she has a passion for chemistry and teaching as she is in here 6th year of teaching at Central Columbia High School.

A few take aways from my visit to Ms. Thursby's Chemistry class. 1. Technology can be my friend in the classroom if I chose to utilize it correctly. 2. Allow students time to work at their own individual pace, when given the opportunity, they will find their way of excelling. 3. Students are drawn to the idea of receiving ownership of their education, which in turn will provide greater student interest in a topic. 





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