AgriScience Inquiry...Learning the "How to" from Master Educators

Last week the PSUAGED23 cohort and a group of master educators met for the AgriScience Inquiry Institute at the BJC. This was such a great experience where we not only got the chance to mingle with and collaborate with some great Agricultural Educators, but also dive into the essential pillars of inquiry. The activities that we participated on both Thursday evening and Friday were measured based on to what degree we had met each pillar. These were: engagement, evidence, explanation, connection, and communication. 

Throughout the course of the event we did so many fun labs that I hope to incorporate into my plans for student teaching. These included things like "Batteries that Make Cents", "What factors lead to food insecurity?",  "Battle of the Beaks" and more! These labs were not only challenging but also led to some deep thought as we served in the role of the student. 




My favorite activity of the Institute was where we determined regions' food security, wealth, and other factors which we represented with beans. I was surprised by the numbers, and I can't wait to incorporate this into my International Agriculture Unit. 




Some of my main takeaways from the institute are that reflection is a key portion of the learning process. If you skip it the students are just doing, and not learning. Also, I learned that I am someone who likes to know they are getting closure and the right answer after an activity. However, giving students this opportunity to wonder gets them excited and their creative juices flowing! Finally, incorporating snacks into the lab will get them interested (but the when to eat needs to be part of the instruction, we don't want to miss weighing some of the oreo creme if Little Bobby gets hungry). 

As I look forward to having my own classroom, I am excited to use all of these new tools, especially the lab kits and supplies that we were given. After taking part in this institute I feel more prepared to finish my transition across the desk, with this amazing group of master educators there to support me!

Here's to Part of the Whole Tree, 

Ms. Holtry


Comments

  1. Morgan BearNovember 10, 2022 at 2:32 PM

    Liz, I love that you brought up how important the reflection piece is and I feel like that is one of the most important takeaways that we learned! Great pictures as well! :)

    ReplyDelete
  2. Carly RudyNovember 13, 2022 at 11:09 AM

    Liz, I think you did a great job summing up some of the important activities that we did. I also enjoyed the map with the regions of wealth, food, & population. When they say you learn something new everyday, I think that was mine! Great job Liz!

    ReplyDelete
  3. AnonymousNovember 20, 2022 at 3:09 PM

    Liz, I loved the map activity and I loved how you shared how you were going to use it yourself and I think it would be a perfect fit into your International Agriculture Unit! I am excited to see how it goes with your students during student teaching!

    ReplyDelete

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