Science

        To ensure all students on all levels are grasping concepts in Science, I teach by the two major approaches, traditional and inquiry.  I teach mostly by the inquiry approach which is the constructivist and hands-on approach.  The experiemental methods and concrete way of learning help my students achieve more.  I follow the five E's: engage, explore, elaborate, explain, and evaluate.  Through the explain step, this is where some of the traditional approach comes in.  Once a week we'll look through the Science textbook to learn facts and vocabulary.  The vocabulary is then placed in the Science Square (like a word wall).  There's also modeling of activities and "experiments" during this time.  We have Science vocab readers and once I read one, there are several other copies to place in their group book baskets.  During the engage and explore steps, there are multiple means of action to provide learners for demonstrating what they know, individually and in cooperative groups (Universal Design for Learning).  To record their findings, they are given concept maps and grapic organizers.
        Looking through the chapter, I realize that I haven't looked into buying inexpensive Science Lab Kits.  Greenville County Schools receive three Science kits throughout the year that are chalk full of materials and hands-on lessons, but I could have more kits for the units we do.  I also don't start all lessons with a review before new material is presented. 
        Of course, there are ways that I could be even more sure that students are where they should be with Science proficiency.  I'll go to the websites mentioned in the chapter and also do a little research myself for kits I can purchase to help my student with being engaged and exploring.  To help with a daily review, I'll implement Peer Tutoring, PALS and a time for Retelling/Repeated Readings.