Grandad's Bluff

Week 12: Scientific Observation

I visited Mike's home in La Crosse one  chilly November weekend.  When we were making the drive west, I noticed very quickly when we entered into an area that was much more hilly and rocky than I am used to.  I began to wonder why exactly that was.  

While we were in town, Mike took me to see Grandad's Bluff. The view was absolutely breath-taking. There were also numerous plaques and signs describing the history and importance of the area.  One of these plaques talked about how this area of Wisconsin is known as a Driftless Area.  It's main characteristic is that the glaciers that covered Wisconsin from Canada never reached this region.  The rest of Wisconsin was carved flat, while the area that is now southwest Wisconsin retained its ridges and valleys.  

Scientific observations are important for children to do because a child's curiosity is an amazing trait. An important part of the science curriculum is teaching the scientific method.  This method includes asking questions, doing research, making a hypothesis, and making conclusions.  I plan on incorporating this method into my classroom.  Not only will students need to utilize this method during their later school careers, but it also helps to inspire and direct creative thinking and innovation.