Name: Melissa Camacho
Submitted on 9/12/2005 8:35:03 PM
Topic: LC1
Lawson, Anton E, (Mar 2000). A Learning Cycle Approach to Introducing Osmosis. American Biology Teacher, v62, 189-96.
Summary
This article provides an introduction to the purpose of using the learning cycle in introducing Osmosis to students. The article exclaimed that their are three "hands-on" instructional phases; exploration, term introduction, and concept application. The main reason to use the phases is to improve the students thinking skills. The article then guides the teacher through a lesson using the learning cycle to investigate the question on how molecules pass into and out of cells through the cell membranes and walls using distilled water and salt solution. The experiment then tests red onion and red blood cells from a cow. The article then guides the teacher with data graphs and questions for the students as they observe and then uses the if... and... then... hypotheses during the experiment. Later adding but...and therefore.. as the final conclusion for further student explanations about the experiment.
Reaction
As I read the article, it does possess higher-order thinking skills for students. The "hands-on" experiments would help students investigate science and be able to explain their observations. Through the questions being asked by the teacher, it draws students to generate thinking skills and become more aware of science as they are more involved in the activity.