Title of the Artifact: Pollution Learning Center
Danielson’s Framework:
Instruction
3c. Engaging students in learning
Engaging students in learning through activities and assignments, student groups, instructional materials and resources, and structure and pacing.
Intasc Standard: #5 Application of Content.
The teacher understands how to connect concepts and use differing perspectives to engage learners in critical thinking, creativity, and collaborative problem solving related to authentic local and global issues.
Description of the Artifact:
This learning center activity involves students "cleaning" jars of "polluted" water. The jars of water distributed to the students contain multiple "contaminants" such as: pom poms, Legos, and other small toys. Their job is to clean the water by using spoons, strainers, and tweezers to remove all the pollution. This teaches the students about how pollution can be difficult to reverse, and why it should be prevented in the first place.
Rationale:
Water pollution, being a widespread issue, impacts everyone at some point. By working together in teams, the students will be able to understand why this is such a detrimental issue and how it impacts our communities. The students will realize they are part of the solution to many of the local and global water pollution problems. This will allow them to have a perspective of their own on the issue itself, as well as being able to think of solutions to solve the problem at hand.