Houston We've Got a Problem... My Soil Needs Fertilizer!
- Oct 14, 2022
- 2 min read
What happened?
This week we had to set up a problem-solving approach lesson. I decided to do my lesson on soil fertility. I made edible soil cups to represent a field and put different colored sprinkles in cups labeled with different fertilizers. They were given a soil report and pretended that this was the result of the "field". They had to choose what fertilizers they would use based on the N-P-K concentrations and calculate how many pounds of each they would need to meet the recommendation on the soil report. Each cup of "fertilizers" also had a conversion rate to teaspoons, so they could add the fertilizers to their field. They then wrote the number of teaspoons added to a note card with the math to be collected to ensure everyone understands the process.
How does it relate to what I know about teaching and learning?
Real life is comprised of soooo many problems that need to be solved. This could be as simple as figuring out what you are packing for lunch, or as challenging as deciding on where you are going to go to college. It is essential that students develop problem-solving skills so they may feel confident enough in their decision-making skills to determine exceptional solutions.
What did I learn from the experience?
My main takeaway is that agriculture educators make their students solve problems all the time and they don't need to make elaborate plans to build students' problem-solving skills. If we, as educators, give students autonomy in their learning and allow them to work through situations or scenarios, we are providing them with problem-solving capabilities.
How can I apply this as an Agriscience teacher?
I will always make sure that when I am a teacher I allow students to work through real-life scenarios and have them make decisions to show that they can use what they have learned in a practical way. I will ensure to use these practices as often as I can to prepare students for life after high school.
Grace, What about Jacob's practice as a teacher would you want to bring back with you to central PA?
Grace, Why do we take students out of school for events like ACES?
Grace, What were your recommendations for the student to improve and grow their SAE?
Grace, I really liked how split your blog up into the major takeaway sections this week, and how you mentioned some really important highlights and key information. I couldn't agree more about classroom management. It is super hard to manage students and help them all when we are trying to learn and get comfortable with content and just learning the ins and outs of a classroom. But with time I think we can become pros! :)
Grace, I fully agree with your point that students will get frustrated when they are rushed but get bored fast if they are done early. I think that pacing element will come with time. Also, your point about making time for reflection and making those connections! Super important and one of those cases when we have to stop students working and recap, because if we don’t they miss the point or the “why” behind it all. Great job Grace! -Nicolette
Grace,
I think that this lab shows a great example of a time where students will have to show their problem solving skills in their real life. Not only was this lab beneficial it also was memorable. I hope I can use a lesson like this in my future program. Great job!
Grace, I loved your idea for this week's lab and problem solving approach. I greatly enjoyed it, and I am sure that in a more authentic experience taking this into the classroom that your students will love it even more!! You rocked it out of the park! The connection and motivation between the food and your lesson was awesome.
Grace I am incredibly jealous of your students! You are super innovate, passionate, and willing to meet students where they are. I thought the take-away from this lesson was DELICIOUS! Super job as always!
Grace,
You are great at reflecting! Way to organize your blog and give background to what we have learned in class! I look forward to hearing the answer of your question about re-approaching a topic students are not grasping.
Way to go this week!
Liz
Grace,
I really loved your reflection on the lessons you learned from this week's lesson. I also really like that you are willing to take a different approach to meet your students' needs. Awesome job!