Making Predictions about Crayfish

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5-8,13+

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Auditory, Visual

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Making Predictions about Crayfish

Fifth-grade teacher Tracy Polte explains the importance of making predictions— in this video segment from Teaching Middle School Life Science. In this case, students predict how long it would take for a crayfish to crawl 15 inches—and then comparing these predictions with actual test results. She wants students to understand that it’s not important that the prediction be correct. Instead, she explains that predictions are a reflection of how students are using what they have learned in the course of their study to inform their thinking.

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Discussion Questions

You may find it useful to watch this video with a group of your colleagues and then discuss it together.

What can you learn from these students’ predictions?
What was Polte’s rationale for giving these students this task?
How does she ensure that making the prediction will be a positive part of their learning experience?
When have you used prediction in your classroom? What purpose do you think it serves for your students?