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.