Embedded Files
Instructional Lesson Plans Including:
Instructional Lesson Plans Including:
Specific Descriptions of Higher-Order Objectives Keyed to Next Generation Sunshine State Standards
Specific Descriptions of Higher-Order Objectives Keyed to Next Generation Sunshine State Standards
or MAFS, Diverse Types of Learning Activities, and Assessment Procedures
or MAFS, Diverse Types of Learning Activities, and Assessment Procedures
Worksheet Example (below) from the Enzymes and Free Energy lesson
The above PPT is an example of using technology in science to gather, organize, and present information.
Below, the PPT presentation for Photosynthesis
Below, the PPT presentation for Photosynthesis
Highlights from the lesson include:
Highlights from the lesson include:
Review of the previous lesson requiring critical thinking at Bloom's Taxonomy Evaluate Level
Review of the previous lesson requiring critical thinking at Bloom's Taxonomy Evaluate Level
Bell ringer activity that employs Bloom's Taxonomy Knowledge Level
Bell ringer activity that employs Bloom's Taxonomy Knowledge Level
Sharing the lesson objectives and checking they've been met
Sharing the lesson objectives and checking they've been met
Using different modalities to teach- A very cool Veritasium video about how trees get their mass
Using different modalities to teach- A very cool Veritasium video about how trees get their mass
Addressing common misconceptions through small group and whole class discussions
Addressing common misconceptions through small group and whole class discussions
Lesson summary in a questioning format
Lesson summary in a questioning format
One of the modalities I often use is writing and performing songs with the class.
One of the modalities I often use is writing and performing songs with the class.
The following are the lyrics I wrote to Kelly Clarkson's "Breakaway" that detail stages of the cell cycle. It is performed by two students and I while the rest of the class sang along. We did this song several times. My mentor teacher has student permission forms on file for the use of the video.
Play-doh models of plasma membrane labeled on desks
Play-doh models of plasma membrane labeled on desks
Although biology is rife with vocabulary and can seen quite two dimensional, many of the concepts are best learned through 3D means. I feel that assessments should also sometimes reflect that idea. When I taught the lesson on the plasma membranes there were many components to consider and I wanted the students to understand the complexity. I had the students use Play-doh to create accurate models of the plasma membrane, provide descriptions of each part and their functions. This strategy allowed me to see where any gaps in understanding or misconceptions existed.
Student Connections
Student Connections
To me, it is crucial to get to know my students. I talk with them, ask them questions, listen to them, and have each of them complete an interest survey. It helps me to make connections to what they already know and to do small things like play someone's favorite song as they enter the classroom, or spark their interest in the lesson by presenting it in a fun way.
Students Using Technology
Students Using Technology
- Using technology in the classroom reaches students with all learning styles.
- It helps build digital citizenship.
- It increases engagement.
- Technology enhances learning.
- Lessons with technology require active learning.
- It demonstrates responsibility and trust to use equipment.
Using Texas Instruments Ti-Nspires in the Classroom
Using Texas Instruments Ti-Nspires in the Classroom
The following is a lesson I used with the at-risk students I worked with in the Aces in Motion (AiM) program in Gainesville. The lesson included different modalities for learning in addition to the technology component. For example, the students learning about carrying capacity through game play.
Using technology to organize and integrate assessment information is vital to collecting data and revising lessons.
Using technology to organize and integrate assessment information is vital to collecting data and revising lessons.
One of the technologies I use is Kahoot! It is accessible both online in the class and from home as a study tool. I used Kahoot! as a pre- and post- assessment strategy in a STEAM classroom. The results from the pre-assessment were used as a guide to plan lessons that would specifically target areas that needed improvement.
Reaching All Learners
Reaching All Learners
Carrying Capacity is a physical game that teaches students to formulate and test hypotheses related to wildlife populations and carrying capacity. Further, the students are empowered to describe the significance of carrying capacity.
Learning Through Game Play
Learning Through Game Play
I modified the game and instruction slightly. The students in this group had a strong interest in learning about animals. By incorporating information about wolves to the lessons the level of engagement was through the roof! The students enjoyed all aspects of the lesson and they exceeded the learning objectives.
Using Technology to Present the Lesson as a PPT
Using Technology to Present the Lesson as a PPT
The Slides below are from the same Carrying Capacity Lesson. The lesson incorporates critical thinking, game play, a short video to spark interest, formative assessments, and worked for audio, visual, and kinesthetic learners. The bonus of the lesson for the students is that they felt like they chose what they were going to learn about. We have standards to guide us, but how we meet those objectives is flexible. My students wanted to learn about animals. I incorporated that into the lessons and they were hooked!
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