Link to E-Portfolio
posted by Bethany @ 11:44 AM
17 comments
Thursday, April 28, 2005
Thursday, April 21, 2005
Weblogs post
I have thoroughly enjoyed using the blogs and being able to post my thoughts on the web. I like using blogs because it inspires me to be creative with my writing skills and to try and make what I post interesting to the reader. I think blogs are not only great for school use but for personal use as well. My best friend has a blog that she uses to post her personal thoughts and she truly enjoys it and gets lots of comments everyday about her writing. I think it is great for children because it encourages them to try their best and it makes them feel special being able to post their thoughts and ideas and know that their peers will read what they write. I have enjoyed blogging this semester and I plan on using this in my own classroom one day.
posted by Bethany @ 10:13 AM
0 comments
Final Reflection Paper
Bethany Ballard
Final Reflection Paper
I have learned a lot about technology from taking this course. I feel more prepared to enter the classroom than I did before taking this course. I was only familiar with Microsoft Word, using Internet Explorer, and sending e-mails. I loved learning how to use new programs and I intend to use Microsoft PowerPoint for slide show presentations, Excel to create databases, and I want to create a web page for my classroom. I am also more comfortable with creating spreadsheets and using them to create graphs when comparing data. I have learned that technology can be very frustrating at first but once you become more comfortable with it, it makes teaching a whole lot easier and more convenient. I used several programs in this class that I haven’t used before including the database program, the spreadsheet program, Inspiration and Desktop Publishing. It is a great feeling to know how to access this technology and to be able to use it in a beneficial way for my students and I.
I can use what I have learned when I enter the classroom in several ways. First of all, I would love to create a web page for my future students as well as their parents so they can access information about the class and assignments that are due, as well as missed work. I would love to create a Blog that my students can communicate and express their ideas on. I really believe that it enhances their writing skills and encourages them to be more creative since they know their writing is available for others to read. I would love to use the spreadsheet program to create a graph when comparing data because it gives a better visual representation of the data for students to compare and analyze. I would also love to use Inspiration for a lesson because it is a great program to use for brainstorming and it challenges the kids to think and come up with ideas on their own. I also love the fact that you can attach graphics to your ideas so the students can have a visual representation of the subject being taught.
The level of technology resources in my future school of employment will greatly affect my teaching. If there weren’t enough computers for each classroom, it would create a problem because more than likely the students would have to use a computer lab, which isn’t as convenient as having computer access in your own classroom. Also, if the schools didn’t have projectors to use PowerPoint that would keep me from being able to use slide shows for my lessons which I think are great because there are many added features that make this program interesting and fun for the kids. It’s a great program to use that is not as traditional as using the chalkboard or dry erase board. I also think that it is important for each student to be able to learn how to use technology on their own which means they each need access to a computer when learning how to use it. Most classes don’t have one computer per student, but they do have computer labs where technology is taught and normally there are at least two or three computers in the classroom that are available for students. They can take turns using and practicing on the computers. If this option were not available, it would be hard to have the children use these programs when researching or doing assignments. I think that the children need to know that technology can make their life easier as well as the fact that it will be essential for them to know how to use it when they are out of school and working. I want them to learn that it is for their benefit to learn how to use it which can’t be taught if the resources aren’t available.
I think technology can help teaching and learning because everyday our society relies more and more on the use of technology in all aspects of everyday life. The use of technology was developed to make our life easier and more convenient. For example, a teacher can use Excel to keep track of grades and averages instead of having to calculate them on her own. It is a more convenient method for teachers to use who already work under a busy schedule. The children can also use the Internet to collect vast amounts of information that they could never find in their school library. They can also use Microsoft Word to help them with their writing, punctuation, and grammar skills. Using this program is a great way for children to learn the correct way to write and spell. Technology was not invented to make our lives more difficult, and I think that once you know how to use it, it can only make things easier for you and your students.
As I move through my teaching career I know technology will continue to change. I plan on going to seminars or taking classes in order to keep up with the changes. Once I have learned about a new program or a new way to use a program, I will take time to learn it and practice using it so I can teach my students how to use it and how to incorporate it into their learning. It will be impossible for me to teach it to my students if I myself don’t know how to use it. That is why I think it is so important for me to be informed and educated of the changes in technology.
I have enjoyed taking this class because it has taught me so many things about different technology programs that I never even knew about. Once you learn how to properly use technology, it is always more convenient to us and it makes things easier. Since our society is so dependant on technology now and will become even more dependant as the years progress, I think it is essential for all teachers to know how to incorporate it into their classrooms because our students will rely on technology in the future even more than we rely on it now. My favorite part of this class was learning how to create and use a Blog. I never even knew they existed before this class and I love to write things on my Blog and know that it’s available for others to read. It encourages me to be more creative with my writing just as it encourages young children in the same way. I will take what I have learned in this class and apply that knowledge in my own classroom for the benefit of my students and their future use of technology.
Final Reflection Paper
I have learned a lot about technology from taking this course. I feel more prepared to enter the classroom than I did before taking this course. I was only familiar with Microsoft Word, using Internet Explorer, and sending e-mails. I loved learning how to use new programs and I intend to use Microsoft PowerPoint for slide show presentations, Excel to create databases, and I want to create a web page for my classroom. I am also more comfortable with creating spreadsheets and using them to create graphs when comparing data. I have learned that technology can be very frustrating at first but once you become more comfortable with it, it makes teaching a whole lot easier and more convenient. I used several programs in this class that I haven’t used before including the database program, the spreadsheet program, Inspiration and Desktop Publishing. It is a great feeling to know how to access this technology and to be able to use it in a beneficial way for my students and I.
I can use what I have learned when I enter the classroom in several ways. First of all, I would love to create a web page for my future students as well as their parents so they can access information about the class and assignments that are due, as well as missed work. I would love to create a Blog that my students can communicate and express their ideas on. I really believe that it enhances their writing skills and encourages them to be more creative since they know their writing is available for others to read. I would love to use the spreadsheet program to create a graph when comparing data because it gives a better visual representation of the data for students to compare and analyze. I would also love to use Inspiration for a lesson because it is a great program to use for brainstorming and it challenges the kids to think and come up with ideas on their own. I also love the fact that you can attach graphics to your ideas so the students can have a visual representation of the subject being taught.
The level of technology resources in my future school of employment will greatly affect my teaching. If there weren’t enough computers for each classroom, it would create a problem because more than likely the students would have to use a computer lab, which isn’t as convenient as having computer access in your own classroom. Also, if the schools didn’t have projectors to use PowerPoint that would keep me from being able to use slide shows for my lessons which I think are great because there are many added features that make this program interesting and fun for the kids. It’s a great program to use that is not as traditional as using the chalkboard or dry erase board. I also think that it is important for each student to be able to learn how to use technology on their own which means they each need access to a computer when learning how to use it. Most classes don’t have one computer per student, but they do have computer labs where technology is taught and normally there are at least two or three computers in the classroom that are available for students. They can take turns using and practicing on the computers. If this option were not available, it would be hard to have the children use these programs when researching or doing assignments. I think that the children need to know that technology can make their life easier as well as the fact that it will be essential for them to know how to use it when they are out of school and working. I want them to learn that it is for their benefit to learn how to use it which can’t be taught if the resources aren’t available.
I think technology can help teaching and learning because everyday our society relies more and more on the use of technology in all aspects of everyday life. The use of technology was developed to make our life easier and more convenient. For example, a teacher can use Excel to keep track of grades and averages instead of having to calculate them on her own. It is a more convenient method for teachers to use who already work under a busy schedule. The children can also use the Internet to collect vast amounts of information that they could never find in their school library. They can also use Microsoft Word to help them with their writing, punctuation, and grammar skills. Using this program is a great way for children to learn the correct way to write and spell. Technology was not invented to make our lives more difficult, and I think that once you know how to use it, it can only make things easier for you and your students.
As I move through my teaching career I know technology will continue to change. I plan on going to seminars or taking classes in order to keep up with the changes. Once I have learned about a new program or a new way to use a program, I will take time to learn it and practice using it so I can teach my students how to use it and how to incorporate it into their learning. It will be impossible for me to teach it to my students if I myself don’t know how to use it. That is why I think it is so important for me to be informed and educated of the changes in technology.
I have enjoyed taking this class because it has taught me so many things about different technology programs that I never even knew about. Once you learn how to properly use technology, it is always more convenient to us and it makes things easier. Since our society is so dependant on technology now and will become even more dependant as the years progress, I think it is essential for all teachers to know how to incorporate it into their classrooms because our students will rely on technology in the future even more than we rely on it now. My favorite part of this class was learning how to create and use a Blog. I never even knew they existed before this class and I love to write things on my Blog and know that it’s available for others to read. It encourages me to be more creative with my writing just as it encourages young children in the same way. I will take what I have learned in this class and apply that knowledge in my own classroom for the benefit of my students and their future use of technology.
posted by Bethany @ 7:00 AM
1 comments
Thursday, April 14, 2005
Software and Website Comment
The software that I chose is called Community Construction. It is a great piece of software that allows students to create buildings and communities on the computer and then print it out to make a 3-D model. It can be used in conjunction with several subject areas including: Math, History, Science, Language Arts, and Art.
The website that I chose was The Lesson Plans Page. This website offers over 2,500 lesson plans on almost any subject imaginable for every grade level. You begin by selecting a subject and then searching for specific topics.
http://www.lessonplanspage.com/
The website that I chose was The Lesson Plans Page. This website offers over 2,500 lesson plans on almost any subject imaginable for every grade level. You begin by selecting a subject and then searching for specific topics.
http://www.lessonplanspage.com/
posted by Bethany @ 10:31 AM
0 comments
DNN Article Response
I think this is an excellent article because it talks about creating real content for real audiences when using blogs. This type of environment can defintely be more motivating for kids and makes them more comfortable with reading and writing. I agree that one of the things that motivates the kids is that their work is out there for real people to consume and interact with. When they are writing in class on regular paper, they aren't as motivated because their work isn't available for anyone and everyone to read and have access to. When they are writing on a blog, they know others will review and critique their work which gives them more motivation to try and do their best. It also gives them a greater sense of empowerment when using blogs. This is a great article that opened my eyes to why it using blogs can be so beneficial for students.
http://www.digitaldivide.net/articles/view.php?ArticleID=361
http://www.digitaldivide.net/articles/view.php?ArticleID=361
posted by Bethany @ 10:16 AM
1 comments
Wednesday, April 06, 2005
Database Documentation
Project Name:
Fun Facts About Ocean Life
Description Of Learning Goals and Standards:
In this lesson, students will sort through Fact Files about ocean life and categorize the data according to weight and group. By the end of the activity, they will be able to report out on the mammal, fish, or invertebrate that weighs the most and the least.
1.Record numerical data in systematic ways, keeping track of what has been counted.
2.Ask and answer simple questions related to data representations.
3. Students will learn that there is variation among individuals of one kind within a population.
QCC's
Topic: Productivity
Standard: Manages information with databases and spreadsheets.
Topic: Problem Solving/Decision Making
Standard: Identifies and uses technology tools to solve problems with teacher assistance.
Rationale For Technology:
This is a great tool to use for this type of lesson because the students looking on the database that contains all the information they need. They can use the database to create a table to organize, store, and help them sort through their information. Using the database program to create the table will help them organize the information so they can get a clear picture of all the information at once and can differentiate between the facts. Looking at the table is an easy way for them to answer the questions regarding sea life as well as comparing each life form.
Description of Lesson Implementation:
The students will be in groups of two, with each group having access to a computer. They will be given a web address to the database and as they look through the database at each type of sea life, they will use the data to answer the following questions:
Which type of ocean life weighs the most? What group does it belong to?
Which type of ocean life weighs the least? What group does it belong to?
Challenge Questions:
Which mammal weighs the most?
Which mammal weighs the least?
Which fish weighs the most?
Which fish weighs the least?
Which invertebrate weighs the most?
Which invertebrate weighs the least?
-The students will make a table to record the information they obtain. After they have recorded all the necessary information, they will begin to sort them according to their weight.
-After students have completed the table, they will begin to rank them according to their weight. By creating a second table, students can sort them in order of heaviest to lightest or vice versa.
- In order to answer the challenge questions, students will need to create new lists sorted by weight and group.
Assessment:
Once the students have organized their findings, they will write a short paragraph explaining their research of the data.
1.Here are some sample questions that can help with their summary:
2.What did you learn about ocean life?
3.Was there a big difference between the weights of mammals compared to that of fish or invertebrate?
4.What does the heaviest type of ocean life like to eat?
5.What does the lightest type of ocean life like to eat?
6. Did you discover anything that surprised you?
Other Places To Use This Solution:
Using database can be useful for teachers as well as anyone doing research where they need to compare or sort data. It can be used for almost any type of office environment.
What I Learned and What I Would Improve Next Time:
I learned that students need to have adequate time to learn how to make a table and next time I would use class time to make sure they knew how to make the table before asking them to use the database program.
References/Resources Used:
http://eprentice.sdsu.edu/F02X2/brooks/dbl-lesson_bsb.html
http://www.thirteen.org/edonline/ntti/resources/lessons/science.html
Fun Facts About Ocean Life
Description Of Learning Goals and Standards:
In this lesson, students will sort through Fact Files about ocean life and categorize the data according to weight and group. By the end of the activity, they will be able to report out on the mammal, fish, or invertebrate that weighs the most and the least.
1.Record numerical data in systematic ways, keeping track of what has been counted.
2.Ask and answer simple questions related to data representations.
3. Students will learn that there is variation among individuals of one kind within a population.
QCC's
Topic: Productivity
Standard: Manages information with databases and spreadsheets.
Topic: Problem Solving/Decision Making
Standard: Identifies and uses technology tools to solve problems with teacher assistance.
Rationale For Technology:
This is a great tool to use for this type of lesson because the students looking on the database that contains all the information they need. They can use the database to create a table to organize, store, and help them sort through their information. Using the database program to create the table will help them organize the information so they can get a clear picture of all the information at once and can differentiate between the facts. Looking at the table is an easy way for them to answer the questions regarding sea life as well as comparing each life form.
Description of Lesson Implementation:
The students will be in groups of two, with each group having access to a computer. They will be given a web address to the database and as they look through the database at each type of sea life, they will use the data to answer the following questions:
Which type of ocean life weighs the most? What group does it belong to?
Which type of ocean life weighs the least? What group does it belong to?
Challenge Questions:
Which mammal weighs the most?
Which mammal weighs the least?
Which fish weighs the most?
Which fish weighs the least?
Which invertebrate weighs the most?
Which invertebrate weighs the least?
-The students will make a table to record the information they obtain. After they have recorded all the necessary information, they will begin to sort them according to their weight.
-After students have completed the table, they will begin to rank them according to their weight. By creating a second table, students can sort them in order of heaviest to lightest or vice versa.
- In order to answer the challenge questions, students will need to create new lists sorted by weight and group.
Assessment:
Once the students have organized their findings, they will write a short paragraph explaining their research of the data.
1.Here are some sample questions that can help with their summary:
2.What did you learn about ocean life?
3.Was there a big difference between the weights of mammals compared to that of fish or invertebrate?
4.What does the heaviest type of ocean life like to eat?
5.What does the lightest type of ocean life like to eat?
6. Did you discover anything that surprised you?
Other Places To Use This Solution:
Using database can be useful for teachers as well as anyone doing research where they need to compare or sort data. It can be used for almost any type of office environment.
What I Learned and What I Would Improve Next Time:
I learned that students need to have adequate time to learn how to make a table and next time I would use class time to make sure they knew how to make the table before asking them to use the database program.
References/Resources Used:
http://eprentice.sdsu.edu/F02X2/brooks/dbl-lesson_bsb.html
http://www.thirteen.org/edonline/ntti/resources/lessons/science.html
posted by Bethany @ 4:13 PM
2 comments
Wednesday, March 30, 2005
Excel Documentation
Project Name:
Favorite LunchTime Foods
Grade: Second Grade
Description Of Learning Goals and Standards:
1)Instant creation of graphs and charts from spreadsheets in various styles.
2) Selecting, interpreting, and collecting data.
3) Spreadsheet entry.
4) Use of Microsoft Excel to implement lesson.
QCC Standards:
Topic: Productivity
Standard: Creates, manages, and utilizes information using database tools and applications.
Topic: Problem Solving/Decision Making
Standard: Uses technology to solve problems and make decisions with teacher guidance.
Rationale For Technology:
Excel is a great program for children to use when they are learning how to gather and compare data. It is a good program to use for creating graphs and interpreting data from those graphs. The students can get a visual of the data presented in the spreadsheet which helps them interpret what the data means. It is also great for calculating a variety of functions such as the sum, average, and so forth. It helps students keep track of data using columns and rows and helps them calculate the data correctly using formulas. This program is great for teaching a lesson on surveys and polls, which is what my lesson pertains too. Using this program in my lesson allows the students to see what food was the most popular in each class and which food was the most popular over all. It also shows them the difference in taste that each class has for each different type of lunch item. They can see all the data, compute the averages and sums, and find which lunch item was most popular among all three classes.
Description of Lesson Implementation:
Before this lesson is implemented, each class in the second grade will take a written poll as to what their favorite lunch item is. They will be given a list of the top ten lunch items that are served the most often. They will then be asked to select their favorite item on the lunch menu. After the results are in, they will be given to my students on a sheet of paper that lists the results for each class. I will ask my students to get into groups and create a spreadsheet of the data, calculate the sum of how many people are in each class, and the average number of votes for each type of food. They will then graph this data and turn it in as well as the spreadsheet data.
Assessment:
The students will be graded by the accuracy of the calculations and data that is presented in their spreadsheet as well as completion of graphing the data. After they graph the data and perform the calcuations, they will be asked to give a summary of which food was the most popular and which food was the least popular of all three classes as well as each individual class.
Other Places To Use This Solution:
This program could be used in any office to calculate finances. It could be used by any teacher to store grades and averages. It could also be used at home for research projects to calculate numerical data or graph data.
What I Learned and What I Would Improve Next Time:
Next time I would use numerical data that is a bit more complex after the students are more familiar with how to use Excel. I would ask them to perform calculations different from what they did on this lesson so they could use other features that are also offered by this program.
References/Resources Used:
http://www.sabine.k12.la.us/class/excel_resources.htm
http://www.forsyth.k12.ga.us/kadkins/zillions.htm
Favorite LunchTime Foods
Grade: Second Grade
Description Of Learning Goals and Standards:
1)Instant creation of graphs and charts from spreadsheets in various styles.
2) Selecting, interpreting, and collecting data.
3) Spreadsheet entry.
4) Use of Microsoft Excel to implement lesson.
QCC Standards:
Topic: Productivity
Standard: Creates, manages, and utilizes information using database tools and applications.
Topic: Problem Solving/Decision Making
Standard: Uses technology to solve problems and make decisions with teacher guidance.
Rationale For Technology:
Excel is a great program for children to use when they are learning how to gather and compare data. It is a good program to use for creating graphs and interpreting data from those graphs. The students can get a visual of the data presented in the spreadsheet which helps them interpret what the data means. It is also great for calculating a variety of functions such as the sum, average, and so forth. It helps students keep track of data using columns and rows and helps them calculate the data correctly using formulas. This program is great for teaching a lesson on surveys and polls, which is what my lesson pertains too. Using this program in my lesson allows the students to see what food was the most popular in each class and which food was the most popular over all. It also shows them the difference in taste that each class has for each different type of lunch item. They can see all the data, compute the averages and sums, and find which lunch item was most popular among all three classes.
Description of Lesson Implementation:
Before this lesson is implemented, each class in the second grade will take a written poll as to what their favorite lunch item is. They will be given a list of the top ten lunch items that are served the most often. They will then be asked to select their favorite item on the lunch menu. After the results are in, they will be given to my students on a sheet of paper that lists the results for each class. I will ask my students to get into groups and create a spreadsheet of the data, calculate the sum of how many people are in each class, and the average number of votes for each type of food. They will then graph this data and turn it in as well as the spreadsheet data.
Assessment:
The students will be graded by the accuracy of the calculations and data that is presented in their spreadsheet as well as completion of graphing the data. After they graph the data and perform the calcuations, they will be asked to give a summary of which food was the most popular and which food was the least popular of all three classes as well as each individual class.
Other Places To Use This Solution:
This program could be used in any office to calculate finances. It could be used by any teacher to store grades and averages. It could also be used at home for research projects to calculate numerical data or graph data.
What I Learned and What I Would Improve Next Time:
Next time I would use numerical data that is a bit more complex after the students are more familiar with how to use Excel. I would ask them to perform calculations different from what they did on this lesson so they could use other features that are also offered by this program.
References/Resources Used:
http://www.sabine.k12.la.us/class/excel_resources.htm
http://www.forsyth.k12.ga.us/kadkins/zillions.htm
posted by Bethany @ 5:33 PM
3 comments
Thursday, March 24, 2005
Blooms Taxonomy
Knowlege:
What are the different types of pollutants affecting our oceans?
Comprehension:
Disscuss the affects of these various pollutants in our oceans.
Application:
What is the difference between biodegradable and non-biodegradable items?
Analysis:
Analyse certain items and whether or not they are biodegradable.
Synthesis:
Design a powerpoint presentation with pictures showing how pollutants affect our oceans and marine life.
Evaluation:
Recommend ways everyone can help put an end to ocean pollution.
What are the different types of pollutants affecting our oceans?
Comprehension:
Disscuss the affects of these various pollutants in our oceans.
Application:
What is the difference between biodegradable and non-biodegradable items?
Analysis:
Analyse certain items and whether or not they are biodegradable.
Synthesis:
Design a powerpoint presentation with pictures showing how pollutants affect our oceans and marine life.
Evaluation:
Recommend ways everyone can help put an end to ocean pollution.
posted by Bethany @ 10:18 AM
0 comments
Wednesday, March 23, 2005
Documentation for Newsletter
Project Name:
Ocean Pollution
Description of Learning Goals and Standards:
Student's will create a newsletter using Microsoft Publisher to summarize their learning growth in the content area of Ocean Pollution.
The students will:
1) Give an introduction of ocean pollution
2) Describe the major sources of ocean pollution
3) Describe the difference in biodegradable and non-biodegradable items
4) Describe the effects of plastics and stryofoams when dumped into the ocean
5) Describe the effects of various pollutants
6) Tell what we can do to help reduce the amount of pollutants dumped into the ocean
QCC Standards:
Topic: ProductivityStandard: Creates, manages, and utilizes information using database tools and applications.
Rationale for Technology
This is a great program to use because it gives the children simple, easy instructions to follow on how to create a newsletter. They are allowed to be as creative as they want when coming up with graphics, choosing colors, headers, font style, text style, and so forth. This program is great for children who aren't necessarily creative on their own. MS Publisher offers a wide variety of graphics and colors for their newsletter to make it look neat, appealing, and professional. It can be taught in a step-by-step manner that is easy to use and easy to learn. The students will have fun getting to use this program by putting their own unique styles and ideas into their newsletters.
Description of Lesson Implementation:
I would begin the lesson by asking the students to tell me what ocean pollution is. After they have given me an educated guess, I will show a powerpoint presentation including the definition of ocean pollution as well as various pictures of different ocean pollutants. Next on my powerpoint presentation, I will display the definitions as well as pictures of biodegradable and non-biodegradable items. I will then pass styrofoam cups and plastic ring holders around the class and have them observe each item. I will ask them what they think happens to these items once they are dumped into the ocean. I will then tell them what really happens with plastics and styrofoams that are dumped into the ocean. Lastly, I will show a video to the students that explains and shows the effects of pollutants in our ocean. After the video, I will give a handout to each student explaining what they can do to help reduce the effects of ocean pollution. I will also pass out a handout that summarizes each topic that was discussed in the lesson. The students will be put in groups of four at a computer and I will guide them through the Microsoft Publisher program. Once they understand the basics of how to use the program, they will have one week to complete a newsletter based on the information they learned in class. The idea of the newsletter will be for them to convey to others the enormous threat that pollutants have on our ocean and how we can help save the ocean.
Assessment
The students will be assessed by their oral participation during the lesson as well as the completion of the newsletter. There will be criteria that must be met for each newsletter and each group will be graded according to whether or not they correctly met the criteria.
Other Places to Use This Solution:
This is a great program that could be used in any work environment or by any teacher.
What I Learned and What I Would Improve Next Time:
I would take more time to explain more of the options available in MS Publisher. There are so many options to choose from when using this program. I think it is important to take the time to make sure that each student understands how to use the program and how to access all of the available resources. Many students don't catch on as fast as others and it's important to make sure that each and every student understands and that you as a teacher take the time to answer questions.
References/Resources Used:
http://library.thinkquest.org/CR0215471/ocean_pollution.htm
http://www.marinematters.org/
http://www.cdli.ca/CITE/oceanpollution.htm
Ocean Pollution
Description of Learning Goals and Standards:
Student's will create a newsletter using Microsoft Publisher to summarize their learning growth in the content area of Ocean Pollution.
The students will:
1) Give an introduction of ocean pollution
2) Describe the major sources of ocean pollution
3) Describe the difference in biodegradable and non-biodegradable items
4) Describe the effects of plastics and stryofoams when dumped into the ocean
5) Describe the effects of various pollutants
6) Tell what we can do to help reduce the amount of pollutants dumped into the ocean
QCC Standards:
Topic: ProductivityStandard: Creates, manages, and utilizes information using database tools and applications.
Rationale for Technology
This is a great program to use because it gives the children simple, easy instructions to follow on how to create a newsletter. They are allowed to be as creative as they want when coming up with graphics, choosing colors, headers, font style, text style, and so forth. This program is great for children who aren't necessarily creative on their own. MS Publisher offers a wide variety of graphics and colors for their newsletter to make it look neat, appealing, and professional. It can be taught in a step-by-step manner that is easy to use and easy to learn. The students will have fun getting to use this program by putting their own unique styles and ideas into their newsletters.
Description of Lesson Implementation:
I would begin the lesson by asking the students to tell me what ocean pollution is. After they have given me an educated guess, I will show a powerpoint presentation including the definition of ocean pollution as well as various pictures of different ocean pollutants. Next on my powerpoint presentation, I will display the definitions as well as pictures of biodegradable and non-biodegradable items. I will then pass styrofoam cups and plastic ring holders around the class and have them observe each item. I will ask them what they think happens to these items once they are dumped into the ocean. I will then tell them what really happens with plastics and styrofoams that are dumped into the ocean. Lastly, I will show a video to the students that explains and shows the effects of pollutants in our ocean. After the video, I will give a handout to each student explaining what they can do to help reduce the effects of ocean pollution. I will also pass out a handout that summarizes each topic that was discussed in the lesson. The students will be put in groups of four at a computer and I will guide them through the Microsoft Publisher program. Once they understand the basics of how to use the program, they will have one week to complete a newsletter based on the information they learned in class. The idea of the newsletter will be for them to convey to others the enormous threat that pollutants have on our ocean and how we can help save the ocean.
Assessment
The students will be assessed by their oral participation during the lesson as well as the completion of the newsletter. There will be criteria that must be met for each newsletter and each group will be graded according to whether or not they correctly met the criteria.
Other Places to Use This Solution:
This is a great program that could be used in any work environment or by any teacher.
What I Learned and What I Would Improve Next Time:
I would take more time to explain more of the options available in MS Publisher. There are so many options to choose from when using this program. I think it is important to take the time to make sure that each student understands how to use the program and how to access all of the available resources. Many students don't catch on as fast as others and it's important to make sure that each and every student understands and that you as a teacher take the time to answer questions.
References/Resources Used:
http://library.thinkquest.org/CR0215471/ocean_pollution.htm
http://www.marinematters.org/
http://www.cdli.ca/CITE/oceanpollution.htm
posted by Bethany @ 5:29 PM
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