Norah's Operation Big Science Learning Story

Learners:  Kavisha, Norah, Alysia & Harry Li                              Learning Coach: DWilkes Learning Area: Science                                                                            Sept: August 2015

Learning Observed

Kavisha, Norah, Alysia & Harry Li had a blast conducting Operation Big Science in Week 7. Thanks to the New World kit of ingredients.  Lots of learning resources as well about the Types of Mixtures and Chemical Reactions in Baking.  The learners learned that cooking is scientific fun and that the science capabilities are for life.  After initially watching a short video explaining the difference between chemical and physical changes the learners were challenged to explore their curiosity by examining their materials and to discuss their priori knowledge about the materials and cooking with them.  They had tonic water, water and different kinds of jelly.  Then they collaboratively devised an experiment -, using the ingredients they selected.  First they identified a question and then a hypothesis- making connections to their prior knowledge.  As a group they needed to plan their method too.  During the cooking they made observations- noting what they notice, think and wonder.  Norah engaged fully in the process and supported the group through their experiment. She also developed some capability at measuring while completing their recipe.  Their concoction was a mystery- they wanted to see if it would glow in the black light. It didn’t so they left it to set and check the next day.  Such a collaboration!

Evidence of learning

Operation Big Science - Video

Next Learning Steps

complete their Operation Big Science experiment plan with observations and explanations write a reflective blog post about the experience use more specific measurements when writing a recipe give detailed observations about what you noticed before, during and after tent on the LH1 blog post about Operation Big Science