Concept Mapping for Web Awareness...

Online Integration

Title of Activity: Researching A Science Topic

Reference Section
HowStuffWorks. (1998-2007). Optics Channel. Retrieved Sept. 30, 2008, from http://science.howstuffworks.com/optics-channel.htm

Grade Level: 8

Subject: Science

Brief Description of Activity:
Students will work in groups, and go to the How Stuff Works website and research a topic of their choice. the website will be given to the students to keep them on track as this site has many topics. For this example lesson, students will access the Optics area of information and choose one of the How It Works articles.
From there the students will also utilize supplementary online resources to provide a presentation about their topic.

General Learner Outcome:
Students will identify quesitons to investigate and define and delimit those questions to facilitate an investigation.
Students will identify new questions and problems that arise from what was learned.
Students will be encouraged to show interest in science-related questions and issues, and pursue personal interests and career possibilities within science-related fields

Specific Learner Outcomes
Investigate the development of microscopes, telescopes and other optical devices; and describe how these developments contributed to the study of light and other areas of science

Investigate light beams and optical devices, and identify phenomena that provide evidence of the nature of light (e.g., evidence provided by viewing the passage of light through dusty air or cloudy water)

Make connections among related, organized data, and assemble various pieces into a unified message

ICT Outcomes:
C.6.1.3 use technology to support and present conclusions
C.7.1.3 draw conclusions from organized information
P.5.1.2 access hyper linked sites on an intranet or the Internet
C1 3.1 plan and conduct a search, using a wide variety of electronic sources
C1 3.5 analyze and synthesize information to create a product
C5 3.1 access, retrieve and share information from electronic sources such as common files

Rationale for Computer Integration:
Computers and internet were used in this assignment allow students to explore the internet while guiding them to investigate a scientific topic. This assignment allows the student to chose an area of personal interest in the area of optics and light, and hopefully accommodate students learning at different rates and levels. Using powerpoint or some other type of presentation technology allows the student to practice using the technology for future classes.

Smart Board Lesson...

Today we created lessons using the smart board technology. My lesson was about grade 7 science ecosystem roles. First, I made a few slides explaining what producers, primary consumers, secondary consumers and tertiary consumers were. At the end, students could manipulate the pictures and categories to make and label a food chain.

Assignment #2 Powerpoint edit

Here are my changes to the powerpoint presentation.
1. First of all, I changed the background to a neutral that wouldn't be distracting from the information. Having 3 different colors was distracting and when paired with the font style and color, it was very hard to read.
2. Next I added a title page to give the presenter somewhere to start, and make it feel more professional.
3. Thirdly I changed all the fonts to be the same style, color and approximately the same size.
4. I edited the text on each of the slides giving them subtitles and cutting out a lot of the information because I assume that the presenter will also be speaking. Not everything he/she will be saying needs to be on the slide, just the major points.
5. Lastly, with all the free space I added a couple of pictures to add some visual stimulation other than just words.

Blogging.... wow!

I hadn't realized that blogging had become so popular in general, let alone being integrated into the classroom. Using blogs to keep in touch with all the students in your class would be extremely helpful. Some students are not outspoken in class, and blogs would allow them to express their opinion and let the teacher know if they are understanding the material. I can see blogs being very useful in language arts and english especially, but also for other subjects too. As a science major, I could see using blogs for online discussion of the class. Where students can express how they are feeling about the class, what is really catching their attention and what they are having trouble with. Also posting review and study questions online would be handy for the teacher.

A little about me....

well, as you all probably know, my name is Jackie. I live in Lethbridge with my boyfriend and our children. Well, we call them our kids, but we have 2 cats and a puppy! They might as well be children, the way they act sometimes! Hmmm... some other info... I spend my freetime sometimes doing artwork, cooking or catching up on sleep!!

Thanks for reading!