What are they thinking? (a pre-assessment idea)
What Are They Thinking?
My 2nd grade social studies unit topic was about the explorations of the Americas. My essential unit question is, “who were some of the important European explorers, and what were their reasons for exploring (they will learn about Christopher Columbus, Juan Ponce de Leon, Jacques Cartier, and Christopher Newport)?” Looking ahead, the Virginia S.O.L wants the students to be able to define the word, “explorer, European, and sponsor.” For my WATT, I wanted to ask the students, what does it mean, "to explore”? I wanted to get a sense of what they already knew about this term/concept to help me better assess their knowledge, prepare, and plan my unit.
Student Responses:
Student 1
What does it mean, “ to explore”? Explore means to travel to new places.
Student 2
What does it mean, “to explore”? To travel and seeking new things.
Student 3
What does it mean, “to explore”? To discover new things. To travel to find something that your mind is set on.
Student 4
What does it mean, “to explore”? Explore means to discover new land or gold.
Student 5
What does it mean, “to explore”? Something to find things that people never found before. A person to go in a ship and look if he or she could find.
Student 6
What does it mean, “to explore”? Someone who discovers.
My Reflection:
After listening to their responses, I realized that some of the students were correct, and they understood the term/concept “to explore”. They said things like, “to travel” and “to discover.” This is exactly what I was looking for; this made me realize that some of the students may have previous knowledge of this concept; they do learn about Columbus Day in 1st grade. On the other hand, I was surprised that student 5 and student 6 made reference to, “a person.” In my opinion, they were confusing to “explore” with an “explorer.” However, in their explanation, they made reference to the concept of discoveries, such as, “to find things that people never found before.” Perhaps, “to explore,” means a person who travels or makes discoveries, in their mind. Their misconception is perfect though, because in my introduction to the unit, I can clarify “to explore” and an “explorer” for them. We can discuss the differences as a class, and I can hear what the other students have to say about this idea/concept. For the Virginia S.O.L S.S. 2.14 a. 1-3, they have to learn the terms, European, explorer, and sponsor. It will be a wonderful introduction to the unit on the “Exploration of the Americas,” and the perfect opportunity to teach the standard as well.
My 2nd grade social studies unit topic was about the explorations of the Americas. My essential unit question is, “who were some of the important European explorers, and what were their reasons for exploring (they will learn about Christopher Columbus, Juan Ponce de Leon, Jacques Cartier, and Christopher Newport)?” Looking ahead, the Virginia S.O.L wants the students to be able to define the word, “explorer, European, and sponsor.” For my WATT, I wanted to ask the students, what does it mean, "to explore”? I wanted to get a sense of what they already knew about this term/concept to help me better assess their knowledge, prepare, and plan my unit.
Student Responses:
Student 1
What does it mean, “ to explore”? Explore means to travel to new places.
Student 2
What does it mean, “to explore”? To travel and seeking new things.
Student 3
What does it mean, “to explore”? To discover new things. To travel to find something that your mind is set on.
Student 4
What does it mean, “to explore”? Explore means to discover new land or gold.
Student 5
What does it mean, “to explore”? Something to find things that people never found before. A person to go in a ship and look if he or she could find.
Student 6
What does it mean, “to explore”? Someone who discovers.
My Reflection:
After listening to their responses, I realized that some of the students were correct, and they understood the term/concept “to explore”. They said things like, “to travel” and “to discover.” This is exactly what I was looking for; this made me realize that some of the students may have previous knowledge of this concept; they do learn about Columbus Day in 1st grade. On the other hand, I was surprised that student 5 and student 6 made reference to, “a person.” In my opinion, they were confusing to “explore” with an “explorer.” However, in their explanation, they made reference to the concept of discoveries, such as, “to find things that people never found before.” Perhaps, “to explore,” means a person who travels or makes discoveries, in their mind. Their misconception is perfect though, because in my introduction to the unit, I can clarify “to explore” and an “explorer” for them. We can discuss the differences as a class, and I can hear what the other students have to say about this idea/concept. For the Virginia S.O.L S.S. 2.14 a. 1-3, they have to learn the terms, European, explorer, and sponsor. It will be a wonderful introduction to the unit on the “Exploration of the Americas,” and the perfect opportunity to teach the standard as well.