Utilizing blogs in a science class!

There are many ways I could utilize a blog in my seventh grade life science classroom.  A blog could be a good way for students to communicate with each other and the teacher. It could also be a great place for students to help each other. A blog could enhance any lesson by providing an extension of their learning in class or a place where they could get help. My blog would serve multiple purposes. I would not want to limit students to using the blog for only one purpose. I could set up different sections on the blog to address different areas of need.  

One area of the blog would be used for discussion. I could post a topic for students to debate such as stem cell research in the discussion section. Each student would then be required to post an opinion statement with evidence to support their argument. Students then would be able to respond to other students’ posts with evidence for or against that person’s view. This area would also be used for me to post a question that I want students to answer.

Another section of the blog would be devoted to questions. Students would be able to post questions or concerns they have in regards to curriculum, classwork, homework, or any other areas. I would encourage students to help each other by answering their peers’ questions. This would allow the students to help each other instead of the teacher being in charge. I would monitor this area closely to make sure the answers students are giving to each other are accurate. I would also discourage using this blog as a social site but using it as a site to grow and learn. Some students are shy and do not like to ask questions in class. A blog would give those students a place to ask questions without the fear of embarrassment.

Another area of the blog would be devoted to showcasing student achievements and work. This would be an area where students can brag about the great things they are accomplishing in school. Any extraordinary work could be posted in this area in order for other students to appreciate their peers’ hard work.

The last area of my blog would be for educators to express their ideas, concerns, highs, lows, or anything else they want to share. Teaching middle school is a very unique experience. It takes a special person to be able to teach thirteen year old students all day. I want to have a place where these teachers can share their roller coaster called middle school with others that are on the same ride.