This artifact is a detailed lesson plan that I implemented during my second student teaching placement at a local high school I was teaching junior-level American history. In the lesson, I introduced the concept of the Influenza Pandemic of 1918 with a short video that we then discussed (this was part of a WWI unit). Then, we went to the gym, where I had them demonstrate the spread of disease by playing a dodgeball-style game. I then had them reflect by asking them questions about the demonstration. Finally, I closed the lesson with Carousel Questions: I wrote three open-ended questions on poster boards and had students write their answers on sticky notes and put them on each poster. There was also a written exit ticket as they were leaving.

The lesson plan meets Indicator 1H, in which the competent teacher "analyzes and uses student information to design instruction that meets the diverse needs of students and leads to ongoing growth and achievement." After a few weeks of getting to know the students I was teaching, I realized how much they liked to be active and move around. Thus, when I was planning, I knew that I wanted to incorporate movement and an active component into the lesson. After the very physical activity of the dodgeball game, I had the kids still moving with the Carousel Questions, but also winding down a little for those who preferred it.

I learned so much from this lesson! I saw that the kids really seemed to enjoy the lesson, and even those who were reluctant at first did each activity. I also was pleased with their written answers to each posterboard question. So, I learned not to be afraid to try new activities and methods in my future classroom. I saw firsthand the benefits that "letting go" and trying something you are not used to doing can have. One must always teach to the students one has in the classroom at the present time.