Apprentice Teaching

Content Observation Form

Apprentice Teacher: Travis Hickox

Observer: Shannon Hartley

Date of the Observation: 2/20/18

Subject/Grade Level/Class Period: 5th Period

4.1 The mathematics or science content chosen was significant, worthwhile, and
developmentally appropriate for this course (includes content standards covered, as well as
examples and activities chosen by teacher).

Evidence:

Content met NGSS standards

4.2 Content communicated through direct and non-direct instruction by the teacher is
consistent with deep knowledge and fluency with the mathematics or science concepts of the
lesson (e.g. fluent use of examples, discussions and explanations of concepts, etc.).

Evidence:

There was a blend of direct instruction, and discovery learning.

4.3 Teacher written and verbal content information was accurate.

Evidence:

Students were given accurate information about gravitational pull through the flipchart and
through their lab worksheet

4.4 Formal assessments used by teacher (if available) were consistent with content objectives
(homework, lab sheets, tests, quizzes, etc.).

Evidence:

Lab sheets and exit tickets were consistent with objectives

4.5 Elements of mathematical/scientific abstraction (e.g., symbolic representations, theory

building) were used appropriately.
Apprentice Teaching
Content Observation Form
Evidence:

The abstract idea of weight and gravity were used appropriately. Students were given time to
discuss the difference between mass and gravity and then explored through the investigation.

4.6 During the lesson, it was made explicit to students why the content is important to learn.

Evidence:

4.7 Appropriate connections were made to other areas of mathematics or science and to other
disciplines (including non-school contexts).

Evidence:

4.8 During the lesson, there was discussion about the content topic’s role in history or current
events.

Evidence:

Elon Musk sending his car to space came up and the pull of gravity on everyday objects was
discussed in detail, along with the possibility of different gravities depending on where you are.
Class discussed and then teacher found video of the astronauts going to the moon and
dropping the feather and the hammer.

Overall Rating for Content (Circle ONE Number)

Students learning Students learning Students learning Students learning Students

inaccurate content superficial content adequate content good content learning deep,
knowledge knowledge knowledge knowledge fluid content
knowledge

Unsatisfactory Beginning Competent Advanced

Competent Competent

0 1 2 3x 4

Comments:
Engaging lesson, they enjoyed getting up and moving.

Classroom content tip (try this!):

-More group discussion time. Add some wait time to your questioning. Set the question up, give them
Apprentice Teaching
Content Observation Form
time to discuss and then get a representative from each group to share their group’s thoughts. This can be
done using random dice roller so all kids are held accountable and they don’t rely on just one member of
their group to speak for them.

Field folder: