Reflections on My 13th Day of Teaching Practice at St. Mary's HSS Pattom

 As a student teacher, every day brings new challenges and learning experiences. On the 13th day of my teaching practice at St. Mary's Higher Secondary School, Pattom, I had the privilege of teaching a chemistry class to 9th graders. The day's focus was on the preparation of oxygen, a topic that often sparks curiosity and excitement among students. I aimed to make this day memorable for them by incorporating engaging videos, images, and a hands-on experiment using lab apparatus.

Classroom Atmosphere and Student Engagement:

Upon entering the classroom, I could sense the eagerness of the students. Their faces lit up as I introduced the topic of oxygen preparation, highlighting its significance in our daily lives. To capture their attention, I started the lesson with captivating videos and images showcasing the various applications and importance of oxygen. This multimedia approach not only made the subject more relatable but also ignited their curiosity.

The Hands-On Experiment:

To truly immerse the students in the world of chemistry, I decided to demonstrate the preparation of oxygen using lab apparatus. As I carefully set up the experiment, I explained each step, emphasizing safety precautions and the chemical reactions involved. The students watched in awe as the experiment progressed, and the gas evolved. It was a satisfying moment when they realized the connection between theory and practice, as they witnessed oxygen being generated before their eyes.

Review Questions for Assessment:

To gauge their understanding, I prepared a set of review questions that encouraged critical thinking and application of the concepts covered:

What is the chemical equation for the preparation of oxygen from hydrogen peroxide?

Why is manganese dioxide used as a catalyst in this reaction?

Can you explain how the gas collection apparatus works?

How does the experiment demonstrate the conservation of mass?

Follow-Up Activities:

To reinforce the learning experience, I designed follow-up activities for the students:

Research Project: Assign each student a different element from the periodic table and ask them to present its properties, uses, and significance in our daily lives.

Poster Competition: Organize a poster-making competition where students depict the applications of oxygen in various fields, such as medicine, industry, and space exploration.

Debate: Divide the class into groups and have them debate the importance of oxygen in sustaining life on Earth, emphasizing its role in respiration and combustion.

Supporting the School Science Club:

In addition to my classroom responsibilities, I also devoted some time to support the school's science club in their preparations for an upcoming science fest. This included helping them brainstorm ideas for experiments, providing guidance on creating engaging presentations, and encouraging teamwork and creativity among the club members. It was a rewarding experience to see these young minds enthusiastic about science and eager to share their knowledge with others.

In conclusion, my 13th day of teaching practice at St. Mary's HSS Pattom was a fulfilling and enriching experience. It allowed me to witness the power of interactive teaching methods, hands-on experiments, and the curiosity of young learners. It reinforced my belief in the importance of making science education engaging and relevant. As a student teacher, every day brings new insig

hts, and I look forward to continuing my journey of learning and growth in the field of education.