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Title of Project: Shark Tank Problem Solving
Title of Project: Shark Tank Problem Solving
How can we find practical solutions to everyday, pervasive problems?
How can we find practical solutions to everyday, pervasive problems?
Schools and Teachers
Schools and Teachers
Manhasset Secondary School Teachers: Ashley Wong, Danielle Beza Co-Teachers: Loretta Schuellein McGovern
ENL Proficiency Level | ENL Program | Standards | Technology
ENL Proficiency Level | ENL Program | Standards | Technology
Appropriate for all English Proficiency Levels | Stand-Alone, Integrated ENL/ELA | 11-12W1b, 11-12W5, 11-12W2b | BrainPOP, News-O-Matic, Canva, TinkerCad, FlipGrid, ThingLink
Assessments
Assessments
Sharks will offer a Deal or No Deal. Students are to negotiate. A rubric will be used by teachers to assess their Speaking and Argumentative Skills. Essay will also include a rubric.
Informal: Teacher conferencing, mini benchmark assignments for each paragraph of the essay, outlines, and peer feedback. Shark Tank investment form, business plan, and presentation, self assessment check in
Formal: Essay and Presentation
Tech Tools Used in Assessment: Google slides, student-created models (3d printing, crafts, etc), Thinglink, Canva
Description
Description
Students will choose a topic based on a problem in the world that they feel passionate about. Students are encouraged to look at issues that are prevalent in their country, their culture, or any issue that is relevant to their experience. They will write an argument essay to argue their stance on the important issue, then innovate a solution to the problem and pitch their solution to “Sharks” from the school, community, and experts in the field.
Content
Content
I can clearly and completely address alternate or opposing perspectives.
Language
Language
I can present compelling information, findings, arguments and supporting evidence clearly, concisely, and logically.
Technology
Technology
I can select information, develop ideas, and use a style that engages the audience and demands their attention using technology tools.
Student work
Student work
Procedure
Procedure
Phase 1: Look Listen and Learn
Timeframe: 3 days
Activities: Looking at problems and solutions by teens around the world. Ted Talks, Articles, etc.
Language Supports: Argument essay frame
Technology Integration: Background knowledge from BrainPOP and BrainPOP Espanol, News-O-Matic
Phase 2: Ask Tons of Questions
Timeframe: 2 Days: Topic approval form
Activities: Topic Approval form
Language Supports: Question Stems
Phase 3: Understanding
Timeframe: 3 Days
Activities: Initial research of 4 websites. Self-created graphic organizer.
Language Supports: Self-created graphic organizer: Highlight article using pink and green, Pro side of the argument in green, red side in pink. Take notes from each color on the two sides of the T-chart.
Technology Integration: Microsoft Immersive Reader for article-reading and research
Phase 4: Navigate Ideas
Review parts of an argument essay: Intro, body 1, 2, Counterclaim (Body 3), and Conclusion. Complete template.
Intro and Body 1: How to integrate a quote into your essay, citations. Periodic conferences.
Body 2: Counterargument. Periodic conferences.
Conclusion, formatting, works cited, editing and revising for rough draft. Periodic conferences.
Language Supports: Argument Essay Frame
Phase 5: Create a Prototype
Students work on their individual pitches and presentations with teacher conferencing.
Rough Draft of slides due a week before presentation.
Activities: Template introduced to ELL students, Conferencing with both co-teachers.
Language Supports: Google Slides Template
Technology Integration: Canva, TinkerCad
Phase 6: Highlight and Fix
Activities: Final revisions of essay, peer editing. Self-Assessment. Practicing pitches independently and in pairs. Volunteer mock presentations for feedback.
Language Supports: Shark Tank Pitch Script outline
Technology Integration: Anki flashcards, Flipgrid recording
Phase 7: Launch to an Audience
Activities: Presentations: Personal investment forms [audience will choose peers to invest in], Shark Tank Written Reflection.
Language Supports: Written Reflection guiding questions
Technology Integration: Canva, TinkerCad
Resources and Other Materials
Resources and Other Materials
BrainPOP
News-O-Matic
Canva
TinkerCad
FlipGrid
ThingLink
Reflection
Reflection
Reflecting on the completion of our unit plan, I am impressed by the students' level of engagement and commitment. They showed genuine interest in selecting topics that resonated with them personally, whether it was related to environmental concerns, societal issues, or cultural preservation. The process of crafting persuasive argument essays allowed them to refine their critical thinking and writing skills while gaining a deeper understanding of the complexities surrounding their chosen topics. Watching them brainstorm innovative solutions and confidently present them to our "Sharks" from various backgrounds was a clear indication of their growth and adaptability. Despite encountering some challenges with newcomers, it is evident that this unit provided valuable opportunities for students to develop into informed, proactive citizens capable of making meaningful contributions to their communities. In the future, in addition to the templates and pitch script, more support for the questioning/defending of their project should be implemented to prepare them for clearly and completely addressing alternate/opposing perspectives.
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