My PLT has been using 5 E lessons for almost two years. Our district provides up with a curriculum map and lesson plans for every unit, so we would take these resources and build on them. I call this resource our "cookbook" because it is full of different "recipes" or lessons. In other words, it provides us with a base. I have never been one to leave well enough alone, so I am constantly perusing the pantry and cabinets looking for something else to throw in the pot. I tend to be the exact same way with the provided lessons!
The lesson plan that I created for this week's application focuses on the phases of the moon and is one that I have already used (but with some new additions or "spices"). Instead of just having the students do the light-source-Styrofoam-ball demonstration, I wanted to include technology and a more student-driven aspect. When I implement this new lesson, I may have some difficulty getting the room dark enough for my students to be able to see their moon phases. I also worry about issues with the Flip video cameras, but both problems can be easily solved or taken care of before implementation. I think that pre-planning something helps alleviate issues and stress thereby making lessons much more effective. And if something does go wrong, that what first period is for-try it, fail, change it!
