We spotlight Cristina Ramos and Pamela Long, CRS Science Super Star honorees, who teach at the International Community School in Oakland. Cristina and Pamela stretched their students' imaginations and critical thinking through a life-science unit employing crayfish.
April 6, 2020
We are honored to recognize Cristina Ramos and Pamela Long, 3rd Grade Teachers at International Community School in Oakland, as 2020 Science Super Stars!
Cristina and Pamela stretched their classrooms' imaginations and critical thinking through a life-science unit based around the focus question: How do crayfish structures help them survive?
Both teachers acknowledge hands-on learning benefits all types of learners, especially those who may struggle expressing themselves through traditional teaching channels. "I have a student who struggles with reading and writing, therefore working with his hands and holding oral discussions lets him express himself with little limitations."
Before tackling the life cycle unit, they held an in-class discussion where students could share prior knowledge, or dispel common misconceptions (many students thought all crayfish lived in the ocean and that there was only one species of crayfish).
As both teachers brought out the specimen, they directed their classrooms with a testable focus hypothesis. They asked their students to make a prediction of which house their crayfish would use. The students had to observe and record the crayfish over the week to see if the crayfish would move or stay put.
Cristina and Pamela first let their students observe the crayfish naturally, and then asked them to study how crayfish would react in different situations. Some students touched the antennae and back of the crayfish, while others picked them up. Students excitedly reported on how their subjects reacted: "I see the crayfish moving its pincers" and "The crayfish is moving its tail!"
They used sketches, along with labelings, and charts to collect their data in their science notebooks. As a reference point, they created a diagram to highlight the attributes crayfish use to swim or defend themselves. As a table, students would reflect on their initial predictions and share any changes of thought. "I thought the crayfish would move into a different 'house,' but in my data table on the third day, it was still in the same house."
Many of Cristina and Pamela's students are English Learners. Combining Language Arts and Science helps students refine their English skills in a way that can feel less intimidating. They had their students read about adaptions in both English and Spanish, while identifying the author's purpose and key details, before writing a report on a wild animal. For other teachers, they recommend: "Lots of visuals for ELs."
Both teachers also actively advocate for extended environmental science learning. They have their students participate in a monthly garbage clean up to help the environment and protect organisms. Engrossing students in an active project helps make the topic more meaningful and relevant, and ultimately long-lasting.