During the previous assignments, investigations were made mainly based on the video material and information from the text readings. They required analyzing and critical thinking skills to answer the questions and share personal ideas. However, to make the lesson more suitable for K-5 students, it would be beneficial to include more practical activities to implement the student-centered approach and increase students’ focus and engagement.
While the paper airplane investigation in this course in the lesson plan, such science tools as articles, websites, videos, and hand-made paper airplanes were used. During the investigated lessons, several standards were addressed. For instance, they include the structure and function of the lesson, types of interaction, information processing, and high practical value. Firstly, the lessons had a well-organized structure, and every single task had its special function. Secondly, the emphasis was put on the interaction during the lesson, including the interaction between teacher and students and the interaction between students in groups. Next, there were tasks based on the experiment, which increased the practical value of the assignments and facilitated the information-processing skills of students.
In the lesson, most parts of the work were done by students since they were completing all the assignments on their own and by receiving and following guidance from the teacher. That is why it may seem that the lesson was driven by students. This, however, was intentionally planned by the teacher to give the students sense of self-learning and boost their interest and confidence in the subject. By giving students a chance to share their thoughts and decisions and letting them organize the given assignment, a teacher encourages a student-centered approach. Such an approach, in addition, helps learners to be more thoughtful about the lesson objectives and motivates them to be more engaged. For instance, it is seen from the lessons that the students were highly engaged in the lesson because they handled activities with paper airplanes and discussed the investigation results in groups.