Director of Teaching & Learning Miles Azzeh's Academic Spotlight: Jackie Euler and Lisa Wynn
Our Lansing USD 469 teachers are incredible at engaging our students in fantastic learning opportunities to reach their full potential every day in our district. To highlight and bring recognition to this great work, Director of Teaching and Learning Miles Azzeh will be regularly shining a spotlight on a stand-out teacher through "academic spotlights."
This week's academic spotlight goes to LIS 5th grade teachers Jackie Euler and Lisa Wynn and their fantastic (and delicious) science learning with their students! The learning centers around physical and chemical changes, and the students had a chance to show off their understanding:
"In science, we've been learning about physical and chemical changes. The kids were able to showcase their understanding with our "Chemistry Carnival." They rotated through different stations and were able to prepare different carnival foods such as root beer floats, hot dogs, popcorn, and oranges." Mrs. Wynn said. "Then they analyzed whether the foods went through chemical or physical changes in the process of preparing them."
As you can imagine, the kids had a blast and enjoyed sampling different food while they learned:
"Chemistry carnival is cool because I learn about cool science stuff!" said student Cody Martin.
"We're learning about science and chemistry, and it's really fun! I love doing this stuff!" said student Jimmy Garner.
The students engaged and discussed the topics at eat rotation while eating all the foods, which you could tell was not only engaging but exciting and different front heir average learning session:
"It's really fun! We're getting to make food and learn at the same time instead of normal stuff." said student Ellie Lourentzos.
"It's information and shows us, kids, how physical and chemical changes work. I really liked it." said student Kayden Jackson.
This type of outside-the-box and experiential learning ensures students not only have fun but that the knowledge is meaningful and retained.
"What better way to learn about physical and chemical changes than to have your students examine delicious food and witness whether they are creating a physical or chemical change right before their eyes?" Mrs. Euler said.
Mrs. Wynn also elaborated on how the activities at each station were hands-on and gave kids a chance to work on skills they'll be using every day.
"I love this activity because the kids are able to engage with learning in a hands-on way and apply the skill to real life." Mrs. Wynn said.
As always, the best part of coming into classrooms and working on these academic spotlights was seeing the excitement and fun students were having. It was apparent how much they were enjoying their learning.
"Super cool, super fun, and very interesting!" said student Bryan Skaggs.
"This is cool. We're learning physical and chemical changes. Yeah!" said student Kaelyn Ailin.
Great job, Mrs. Euler and Mrs. Wynn, for this incredible learning activity!