Math & Science Graduate Fellows in K-12 Education

I am Dan Costello, a master’s student in geology at UMD. This year I am working with Cindy Edwardson in her 7th grade life science and 8th grade earth science classes at Cloquet Middle School. The life science class has spent many weeks learning about the scientific method and designing their own science experiments. During the planning stages, I met with each group individually to help them define their variables, steps, and hypotheses. Recently, I
attended a small group of students to present their research at the state insect science fair in the Twin Cities.

The earth science class is much more close to my research area, and I have been able to help out a little more in this class. After going through some basic chemistry to introduce them to elements and atoms, we spent a few weeks on minerals. We tied this up with a lesson I designed about the minerals of Minnesota, and their uses in the students’ everyday lives. Next up was astronomy, in which I led activities on moon phases, planetary motion, and constellations. We tied this unit up with a trip to the UMD planetarium. In the next semester we will be learning about different rock types and the rock cycle, which will tie in well with my own research on the igneous rocks of northern Minnesota.

The GK12 program has provided me with a number of opportunities and experiences. I’ve really enjoyed interacting with the students every time I go in and witnessing their imagination about the world around them. Teaching has always been an interest of mine (as well as a possible career choice for the future), and this program has given me
some real-world experience in leading the classroom. The experience has also given me a new level of appreciation for teachers and the endless amount of work they put in for their students.

1. 2. 3.

1. Dan doing Geology in the field.       2. Dan working with students.                   3. Cindy Edwardson.