As I look back on these experiences in my classroom, I have to ask myself how successful my students and I were.

My students are excited about their new knowledge. They can define and describe most of the terms we now use. (I hear them use words like subduction and convection currents!) They apply their knowledge in other subject areas and to everyday occurences ("What kind of landform would you say the big thumb in Holes was, Mrs. Shatney?"). In these ways, I see my students demonstrating success.

Would I change anything? Of course! I'm a fairly new teacher and I'm sure this unit will look entirely different several years down the road. I'd like to see my classroom experiences move toward more group experiments and less whole-class demonstrations. However, demonstrations are a very effective strategy with my students this year, and they love coming up front to be the teacher!

Please tell me about your successes and struggles with teaching about Earth formation! I'd love to add your input to this site.

P.S. I would like to have included more photos, but it's hard to take pictures when you're up to your elbows in stream tables!