Some of them got so intensely committed to writing down questions for me that they marched right out of science circle to go write more questions in their private workspaces. At one point this mind virus spread until half the class was busily scribing away. Circle was getting lonely.
My uncle Robby says that just asking the question is a significant learning experience, whether or not they stick around for an answer. One child proudly brought me her freshly written question card. I read it out loud, was ready to talk about it - - but she had gone back to her table. She was obviously pleased I had received the card, and as far as she was concerned that closed the subject!
One more note about the solar system demo the previous week. I left the eight scale models of the planets (yeah, we're down to eight planets nowadays) on the science shelf. Here's earth, Mars, and Neptune (click to enlarge).
Corn kernels, pinheads, acorns - - these remain in the classroom. And the sun? Hmm.
Right after class, during cleanup-and-organize, I looked at the enormous, bright,oh-so-bouncy ball representing the sun. I looked at 20 very playful kids. I looked at Deborah.
I said: I don't think you want me to leave this Sun here, do you.
She, firmly: No. I don't.
Nuff said?
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