Science Project: Learning Through Teaching

“This was a project for my Fifth Form Earth Science classes.  The assignment was to write and illustrate a children's book about the rock cycle.  The rock cycle shows us the origins of the three major rock types, and also describes the processes that can change them from one type to another.  The project is pretty open ended and there is a lot of room for creativity; the only requirements are that they describe how their rock was "born" and have it go through three different transitions in the rock cycle.  By making it a children's book, students are forced to present the relatively complex processes we've discussed in the simplest possible way so that it is accessible for the intended audience.  Essentially, it makes them the teachers, and they soon realize that they can't teach something that they don't understand.  So the book project is a great vehicle for solidifying their understanding of the material, and doing so in a fun way.  They also work with partners and it allows me to evaluate and give feedback on their ability to work collaboratively.” Read one of the books produced by students in Mr. Williams’s class here.