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!
I love your lesson plan idea. I would love to know how your lesson goes. It is so hard to teach students about moon phases. My students are currently drawing the moon that they observe each night so that we can discuss the phases of the moon. Your lesson sounds so interesting.
ReplyDeleteMy students always know when I am doing a space unit...my room has black garbage bags and sheets over the windows. It is a small price to pay to ensure that my demonstrations and activities were more meaningful and successful.
ReplyDeleteI love the fact that you are taking a previous lesson and tweaking it. That is what all great teachers do!
What is a flip video camera? How are you using it?
ReplyDeleteBobbi-This lesson has gone really well in the past, so I am actually going to video this year's for my National Boards! I would be more than happy to send you the plan.
ReplyDeleteMarise-Thank you so much for the idea. I didn't think about garbage bags! Now I just have to figure out how to reach the ceiling windows of the floor-to-ceiling windows. :(
Julie- The Flip video cameras are small, handheld camcorders (about the size of a fat cell phone). It has a USB attachment that pops out of the side, so you can plug it into any computer's USB port. All of the software comes loaded into the camera, so it will start to play as soon as you plug it in! Our school has 10 Flips, so I gave one to each group and had them film themselves doing the standard moon phases activity (light source, Styrofoam ball on stick, person's head or Flip camera is the earth). The Flip also lets you consolidate videos and make a movie! It is a really fun, easy way to incorporate technology and for me to see if there are misconceptions on the students' parts that I may be missing.
Good idea to use the flip camera! You're very fortunate to have them to use with your students. Do you use them often?
ReplyDeleteWhat a great idea for flip cameras!
ReplyDeleteWe just purchased some new ones for our middle school pod to utilize, and I have been trying to find ways of implimenting them into our science classroom. You presented a great way of connecting them to our classroom learning. Thanks for sharing!