I already knew that. But now I really know. However, in my defense, I think ancient philosophy is better than nothing.
All the classes loved the demo. The atmosphere was way more relaxed. In some ways, today was the reverse of yesterday. First period was my tired, reticent class, and third period was all over this material. They remembered equations from last semester, understood and explained the demonstration, remembered the activity series (which they did not cover extensively) and correctly understood the copper plating, and we moved on and talked about the characteristics of gases and approached the equations. But I don’t want to get too far ahead of the other classes.
All the classes were much better at answering questions in class, and were much more relaxed. It was pointed out to me that might be because I was more relaxed, which is true. But I don’t think I was super nervous yesterday, once class actually started.
The students were definitely able to make some accurate predictions and descriptions from the experiment.
The problem of the day will be useful, I think, especially once they are more used to it and get started right away, so they are actually working while I take attendance. It is a useful way to get them to remember what they did last semester (like change of enthalpy in reactions) or to remind them of what we did yesterday =). Today we went over it in class because they were all pained and scared, but I don’t plan to do that as a regular thing.
I think I was taken a little off guard by just how excited they were by the demo. They all came up to get closer, and touch it, and watch it. They also said some unflattering things about the teacher I am replacing. I already had the idea that she is a different sort of teacher than I am, but I don’t feel comfortable appearing to condone any comparisons so unfavorable to her. If I hear anymore, I think I will say something like, “I hope you still feel that way after the first test,” or something similar. It is very touching to be liked so soon, and I also don’t think much of the labs and activities she has, but it seems unclassy to allow such blatant criticism.
I think I am learning a lot about disagreeing with colleagues. I don’t think I am doing anything particularly radical, but it seems to be a surprise to the students and teachers around me.
