Interviewer:  Tammy Barcalow
Interviewees:  2 other 4th grade teachers, each teach 2 sections of science
        (a student teacher observed us but did not participate)
Teacher experience: less than 7 years each
Date of interview:  Thursday, February 10, 2000
Time:  4:00-4:30

I was very excited about this interview.  I interviewed teachers from other buildings that teach the same science program that I do.  I was anxious to hear the differences in our programs.  They seemed to be just as interested in the interview as I.  (This caused a minor problem which I will mention later.)  The atmosphere of the interview was very comfortable as no one seemed nervous.

About switching classes and teaching the text.

• How do you manage switching classes?

#1:  They switch classes for 45 minutes for four days a week for science and social studies.
#2:  They switch for 1 1/2 hours each day.  One teacher covers math and science, the other reading and social studies.
#1:  Students switch rooms to give them a different atmosphere.  She said the other teacher's room is decorated for social studies while she has the more science oriented room.
#2:  Teachers switch rooms.  She uses a cart to move.  Both teachers try to decorate for both subjects.  They actually buy 2 copies of posters, etc.
• How do you approach teaching the chapter?

#1:  Teaches vocabulary at the beginning of the chapter
#2:  Teaches vocabulary as they are brought up.
• Do you add many supplemental activities?

#1 & #2:  Buy extra materials to supplement the chapters.
#1:  Does not finish the book each year.
#2:  Has time to finish the book and add extra activities at the end of the year about health and the body.
• Do you have many experiments or demonstrations?

#1:  Tries to have a hands on experiment or demonstration for each chapter.
#2:  Relies on Bill Nye videos for demonstrations.  Although she did mention using a cart to transport science materials between rooms.
#1:  Expands on the ocean chapter at the end of the year and includes a large project.
#2:  Expands on the space chapter during the year and includes a large project.
#1 & #2:
• Do you stress the scientific method?

#1 & #2:  Now because it is important for ISAT.  Both expressed a disappointment in the book because it is not covered.
• How do you conduct a review for the chapter?

#1:  Students take notes throughout the chapter which she writes on an overhead.  The class reviews for one day.
#2:  Did not mention note taking although they do a review together on the overhead which students use for a study guide.  They also review one additional day.

• Do you integrate much technology during science or other subjects?

#1:  Students draw numbers at the beginning of the year to determine a day of the week.  About 4 students log on a day.  Many choose a science CD to use.  (School House Rock, etc.)
#2:  Science CDs are not available.  (After #1 brought up School House Rock, #2 realized that it is also available at her school.)
• How do you use the lab situations?

#2:  Scheduled for two 30 minute periods a week.  Tries to go to at least one of these periods.  There is not a lot of network software available due to a new computer system.  When using CDs they cannot be on the same program.  She has used the Internet the several times.
#1:  Because of the availability of lab packs, she has four groups doing different projects.  The lab is also used to type reports on MS Works.  She has used the Internet only two times even though it has been available everywhere since December.
• Do you give your students guidance on the Internet?

#2:  She chooses specific Internet sites for her students to visit such as Bill Nye.
#1:  She gives her students a small worksheet with the places to visit.  She gets ideas from Instructor magazine.

• Do you have any opinions about the responsibilities of the primary teachers and science?  Before the students get to you, how important do you think the teachers take science?

#2:  "They don't.  They aren't told to either.  It's not part of the curriculum.
#1:  Cover a little here and there with big books and demonstrations.  They aren't prepared for science or social studies.
#2:  Fourth grade is a whole new world.
#1:  Two new subjects and grades are added.  It's a hard adjustment.
#2:  It is very important at our grade level because of ISAT.
#1:  She thinks its hard to cover everything by testing time.
• Do the students come to you with a poor opinion about science?

#1:  Her kids love science.  They are only worried about little things like a an extra book to carry and more homework but they enjoy science.
#2:  Her kids think science is cool.  They have never had it before and its fun.

I was very pleased with the information that I obtained at the interview.  The three of us don't often get a chance to discuss anything let alone our specific science/technology programs.  I picked up some tips that I may try to apply while teaching specific chapters with my classes.

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