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EPSD Teacher Spotlight
Jessie Mader: 8th grade science and 6th grade Outdoor Ed
Global Outcomes and Project-Based Learning in Outdoor Ed
Ms. Mader's 6th grade Outdoor Education class used project-based learning techniques and all of the Global Outcomes to take a deep dive into survival and shelter building. Students researched survivial techniques, learning about the best places, methods and materials needed to build adequate shelter. They gathered materials for a mini-shelter which had to be waterproof and hold up under windy conditions. They tested their mini-shelters in a lab to see if their designs would hold up. The next part of the project involved applying their knowledge to a real- world situation: setting up a shelter in the outdoors.
Ms. Mader encourages critical thinking and problem-solving in her daily instruction. Students persevere through several iterations of their projects, testing and reworking them until they are satisfied with their results. Her students are engaged and excited about learning!
Getting ready test for water resistance
One last check
Setting it up for the test!
A student sets up her shelter to test for wind resistance
Creating the wind
Did it leak?
Taking it to the Woods!
Students applied what they learned about outdoor shelters outside, first, scouting for the perfect location
Setting up the shelter
They used tarps and the landscape to set up a shelter
Safe from the elements?
Students test out their shelter set up and make adjustments
Word Walls for Vocabulary Instruction in 8th Grade Science
The MS Staff is incorporating five common instructional strategies this year (see below), which include pre-teaching vocabulary and using word walls. Ms. Mader's 8th grade science students are creating vocabulary mini-posters for the their upcoming unit on weather and climate. These posters will be added to a word wall that will anchor student's thinking and cement their understanding of the vocabulary.
Ms. Mader's makes student engagement a priority and she is dedicated to making the content accessible to everyone.
Clear Expectations and Anchor Charts: Ms Mader uses visuals to anchor learning
Claim Evidence and Reasoning Anchor
This anchor chart helps students recall the elements of supporting a claim in science
Scoring Rubric
Ms Mader has clear expectations for mastery posted on the wall
Humidity Anchor Chart for Essential Vocabulary
Students made visuals to help them mastery content vocabualry