EDD 485- Science Unit

To prepare us for the unit project we completed five Flipgrid videos. In the Flipgrid videos, we discussed the seven crosscutting concepts, the eight Science and Engineering Practices, Phenomenons and the 5E lesson Model. All of these are included in my unit lesson plan. The anchoring phenomena I chose is changes in the Moon.

My first lesson plan is on the Moon phases. Students will look at a Moon phase simulation and then they will physically demonstrate the Moon phases using a lamp, a pencil and a styrofoam ball. They will also complete the Moon phase oreo activity. In the second and third lesson plan, students will investigate what causes lunar and solar eclipses. They will use an eclipse interactive to help them determine the difference between solar and lunar eclipses. In the fourth lesson, students will learn about what causes a supermoon. They will complete an activity in which they will learn how to measure a full moon. In the fifth lesson plan, students will learn the reasons why we can see the moon at night and during the daytime. The last lesson plan is on Moon halos. Students will conduct research and create a Powerpoint presentation explaining Moon halos. Throughout this unit students are doing many investigations and activities to help them answer the anchoring phenomena.

Importance of the Project/Experience

This experience is important because it taught me how to write lesson plans that are engaging to students. The science unit is important because it allows students to ask questions and conduct experiments to answer those questions. Science units increase students' interests and help them make connections between different concepts. In this course, I learned about the importance of using technology in the classroom. In my unit, I added additives such as Kahoot, simulations, and games. Selecting an engaging theme and creating fun activities for students is important. Overall, this course and projects taught me that learning should be student-centered.

Skills & Knowledge Gained or Demonstrated

I learned so many skills during this class. First, I learned how to use Flipgrid which is a great tool for students to share their reflections and ideas with their classmates. I learned about the importance of the Crosscutting Concepts and Science and Engineering Practices. Before this course, I was not familiar with the 5E lesson plan. The 5E lesson model is very effective because the students are the center of the learning. They are doing the investigations and finding answers to the questions they have. The teacher is there to guide and provide feedback to the students. In addition to that, I completed the GLOBE eTraining and now I'm certified. Finally, I learned how to create a bitmoji and Google Classroom. Currently, students are learning online, so learning how to create a Google Classroom is very important.

Tasks Completed

1. Completed five Flipgrid videos. The topics we discussed in our Flipgrid videos are what makes an awesome teacher, Crosscutting Concepts, Science and Engineering practices, Phenomenons and 5E Lesson plan.

2. Completed K-8 Curriculum study

3. Build six lesson plans

4. Created a Bitmoji

5. Created a Google Classroom

6. Completed GLOBE eTraining

Lessons Learned

I learned so many things during EDD 485. I learned that using Phenomena in science lessons is important because students get to ask questions, make observations and investigate why certain events occur. I learned about the Crosscutting Concepts and the Science and Engineering Practices. In addition to that, I learned how to use technology to help students learn. I learned how to use Flipgrid, Google Classroom and Quizlet. Currently, students are learning online, so learning how to use these tools is very important.