Science Super Star: Enedina Sandoval
We spotlight Enedina Sandoval, CRS Science Super Star honoree, who teaches at Global Family School in Oakland. Enedina and her classroom explored the lifecycle of mealworms, and throughout the lesson she ensured that all students were being able to make the most out of the lesson.
April 23, 2020
We are honored to recognize Enedina Sandoval, 1st Grade Teacher at Global Family School in Oakland, as a 2020 Science Super Star!
Enedina and her class explored mealworm structures. Specifically, she asked her class: What parts does a mealworm have that help it survive in its habitat?
Before embarking on their investigation, Enedina began with an exploration of the pheomena of mealworms. What did students observe, and what did they already know about mealworms? Through class conversations she recorded their ideas to gain an understanding of students’ ideas. This also allowed young learners to activate any prior knowledge on the subject. They had conversations debating whether insects are animals, and what the general needs of animals are.
Once Enedina released the specimens, students worked together to collect data on a chart as a classroom. Students created their own individual sketches, which began as very simple drawings.
As the observations continued, Enedina asked them to draw more complex models in their notebooks. Students added labels of parts they could recognize, and they kept detailed records of their thoughts. It was through this that many students realized that they share common body parts with their mealworm specimen, and that these body parts carry out similar functions.
Throughout the unit, she guided her students through discussions in which they shared their evidence and supported their claims. “These talks are especially useful for student to organize their thoughts, and resulted in stronger writing on assignments.” The discussions also helped clarify ideas for students who were unsure of their reasoning.
After the unit, she led students in reflecting on their responses to the initial unit focus question, which they kept in their notebooks. Many eager students volunteered to read aloud what they had written, making budding scientific presentatinos of findings to their fellow young scientists.
Enedina is dedicated to delivering meaningful science, and is amazed at the effects it has on her students. Like many teachers, she has seen the power of active science learning experiences to motivate students and provide opportunities for academic success. Reflecting on one student, she shared:
“I have a student who struggles academically, but in science he is always engaged and willing to participate. The hands-on activities spark his interest, and his enthusiasm to collaborate with other students increases. When having our science talks, he is willing to share out and often adds-on to what others share.”