Title: Simple Machines
Resources:
The Franklin Institute. (n.d.). Simple machines. Retrieved September 29, 2007, from http://www.fi.edu/qa97/spotlight3/spotlight3.html
Science Lessons. (1998). Simple machines learning site. Retrieved September 29, 2007, from http://www.coe.uh.edu/archive/science/science_lessons/scienceles1/finalhome.htm
Huddle, C. (n.d.). Simple machines: Lessons plans. Retrieved September 29, 2007, from http://www.grc.nasa.gov/WWW/K-12/Summer_Training/KaeAvenueES/Resource_Chart.html
Edheads. (2007). Edheads: Activate your mind. Retrieved September 29, 2007, from www.edheads.com
Subject: Science
Grade: 4
Description:
Each student will investigate and understand what a simple machine is, and identify the six simple machines. They will use a computer and the Internet to complete a scavenger hunt based on the student worksheet. This worksheet will guide them to particular websites to answer the following questions.
1. What is a simple machine?
2. How does a simple machine work?
3. Name the 6 types of simple machines.
Once the students have completed the scavenger hunt I will ask them to visit EdHeads and click on simple machines then start. This website is an interactive tool that will allow the students to explore how simple machines work in our society. For example, the toilet paper on a roller is an example of a wheel and axel and the explanation as to why it is an example of this is provided. The students will then find examples of each simple machine that we use in our daily lives.
General Outcomes:
4-6 Students will demonstrate a practical understanding of simple machines by identifying devices in which energy is transferred to produce motion.
Specific Outcomes:
Students will:
- Compare the wheel and the roller and identify examples where each are used
- Demonstrate and identify ways to use a lever that:
o Applies a small force to create a large force
o Applies a small movement to create a large movement
- Predict how changes in the size of a lever or the position of the fulcrum will affect the forces and movements involved
- Identify simple machines used at home or school
ICT Curriculum Outcomes and Goals:
C1. Students will access, use and communicate information from a variety of technologies.
2.1 access and retrieve appropriate information from the Internet by using a specific search path or from the given uniform resource locations (URLS)
C5. Students will use technology to aid in collaboration during inquiry.
2.1 retrieve data from available storage devices, such as a shared folder, to which a group has contributed
2.2 record group brainstorming, planning and sharing of ideas by using inspiration program
C7. Students will use electronic research techniques to construct personal knowledge and meaning
2.2 use selected presentation tools to demonstrate connections among various pieces of information
F3. Students will demonstrate a moral and ethical approach to the use of technology
2.1 comply with the acceptable use of policy of the school and school authority for Internet and networked services, including software licensing agreement
P5. Students will navigate and create hyperlinked resources
2.2 navigate through a document that contains links to locate, copy and then paste data in a new file
Rationale
I believe that when students are actively participating in their own learning process they learn the material better. Using technology and the Internet allows students to explore these websites and find the information needed to complete the assignment on their own, working at their own pace. The interactive website provided allows students to apply what they learned by answering the questions asked on the website. This will engage students and keep their interest while learning curriculum-based information.
Sunday, September 30, 2007
Sunday, September 23, 2007
Technology Integration
Technology has come a long way since the advent of Apple II computers. Individuals have used technology for simple tasks such as word processing, accounting, and e-mail. Society as a whole has progressed with the use of technology as it becomes increasingly more accessible and sophisticated. Technology, in a basic sense, is for people to access information and to communicate. Technology in the classrooms is being utilized to not only communicate and access information but to enhance student learning.
Teachers explore concepts with the use of technology such as web searches, smart boards, and interactive websites. An excellent use of technology is the smart board, students may interact with what they are learning. In math, where students are learning fractions, students may go up and use the smart board as if it were a blackboard to manipulate numbers or objects. They may also assemble electrical circuits in science with use of smart boards. Hands-on activities can be implemented by use of the internet and smart board technologies.
One of the problems with technology in the classroom is when the teacher has not fully understood the use of technology and the richness of learning it can provide. An example of this would be using computers as a time filler, where students simply play games or "surf the net". These are not useful or enriching activities that would enhance what students are learning in terms of a specific curriculum areas. Technology has so much more to offer students in terms of their learning in a variety of subject areas. Good use of technology looks at cross-curricular activities and does not focus specifically on one content area.
Some of the barriers to technology integration would include a teacher/teachers with limited knowledge of technology and no, or limited, expertise in a particular school. A further complication with technology integration is that teachers must be aware of the age and knowledge required to truly enhance student learning. Teachers must have the necessary skills to teach students how to use technology to assist in their learning rather than to simply use technology. Finally, technology integration is only possible if it is hands-on, meaning that there is enough equipment for students to work independently. However, without continued technological and financial support, technology and subsequent learning would stagnate.
Teachers explore concepts with the use of technology such as web searches, smart boards, and interactive websites. An excellent use of technology is the smart board, students may interact with what they are learning. In math, where students are learning fractions, students may go up and use the smart board as if it were a blackboard to manipulate numbers or objects. They may also assemble electrical circuits in science with use of smart boards. Hands-on activities can be implemented by use of the internet and smart board technologies.
One of the problems with technology in the classroom is when the teacher has not fully understood the use of technology and the richness of learning it can provide. An example of this would be using computers as a time filler, where students simply play games or "surf the net". These are not useful or enriching activities that would enhance what students are learning in terms of a specific curriculum areas. Technology has so much more to offer students in terms of their learning in a variety of subject areas. Good use of technology looks at cross-curricular activities and does not focus specifically on one content area.
Some of the barriers to technology integration would include a teacher/teachers with limited knowledge of technology and no, or limited, expertise in a particular school. A further complication with technology integration is that teachers must be aware of the age and knowledge required to truly enhance student learning. Teachers must have the necessary skills to teach students how to use technology to assist in their learning rather than to simply use technology. Finally, technology integration is only possible if it is hands-on, meaning that there is enough equipment for students to work independently. However, without continued technological and financial support, technology and subsequent learning would stagnate.
Thursday, September 13, 2007
Blogging...What's that?!
Hello! I guess I will start by introducing myself. My name is Ashley Platt and I must say that I am new to this whole blogging concept. I was born and raised here in Lethbridge, Alberta and can't wait until I graduate so that I can explore this fascinating world. I love the thought of travelling and being able to experience new cultures. What else can I say...the most important things in my life is my family, my dog, sports, and my soon-to-be career. I have always been extremely active and love to play volleyball, fastball, ringette, and golf. Volleyball, is my all time favourite sport and I have played competitively for a number of years. I have always envisioned myself becoming a teacher and now that I am in the Faculty of Education my dream will soon become reality.
When I found out that our assignment was to create our own blog I figured that I was hooped. First of all, I had no clue what a blog was and I thought to myself "how in the world is this a useful classroom teaching tool"? My second thought was "how am I going to do this on my own" since I am not very knowledgeable when it comes to technology. But to my surprise, it was very easy to get started. After many hours of researching what a blog is ,I now realize how important it is to integrate this aspect of technology into our classrooms since it is being utilized so frequently in our society. Blogging has many functions and is one way to incorporate and encourage the use of technology within the classroom. It serves as a communication tool for teachers, students, and parents that is quick, easy, and effective. It is a simple way for teachers to organize and maintain student work which makes it easy to keep track of student writing progress throughout the school year. Students may also find blogging as a valuable learning tool. It's a great opportunity for fellow peers to read and respond to student's work which is an effective way to improve student's reading and writing.
So far, I have only focused on the positive aspects of blogging. Even though there are many great ways of integrating blogging into the teaching profession I believe there are also some concerns that people (teachers, students, and parents) must be aware of. First of all, parents must give permission in order for their students to participate in blogging. Without this permission blogging should not be allowed within the classroom. Teacher/student/parent relationships may be negatively affected because it eliminates the personal interactions between them. Personal blogs may be accessed by anyone searching the worldwide web, it is not restricted to the teacher, parents, and peers. Students must be careful to not include any personal information about themselves or anyone else. They must also take into consideration the content of their blog to ensure that they are not abusing the use of blogging by bullying peers. Taking these concerns into consideration, I believe, that blogging can be an effective teaching tool if it is used properly. The appropriate steps must be taken to ensure student safety and to ensure teacher/student/parent relationships continue to build.
When I found out that our assignment was to create our own blog I figured that I was hooped. First of all, I had no clue what a blog was and I thought to myself "how in the world is this a useful classroom teaching tool"? My second thought was "how am I going to do this on my own" since I am not very knowledgeable when it comes to technology. But to my surprise, it was very easy to get started. After many hours of researching what a blog is ,I now realize how important it is to integrate this aspect of technology into our classrooms since it is being utilized so frequently in our society. Blogging has many functions and is one way to incorporate and encourage the use of technology within the classroom. It serves as a communication tool for teachers, students, and parents that is quick, easy, and effective. It is a simple way for teachers to organize and maintain student work which makes it easy to keep track of student writing progress throughout the school year. Students may also find blogging as a valuable learning tool. It's a great opportunity for fellow peers to read and respond to student's work which is an effective way to improve student's reading and writing.
So far, I have only focused on the positive aspects of blogging. Even though there are many great ways of integrating blogging into the teaching profession I believe there are also some concerns that people (teachers, students, and parents) must be aware of. First of all, parents must give permission in order for their students to participate in blogging. Without this permission blogging should not be allowed within the classroom. Teacher/student/parent relationships may be negatively affected because it eliminates the personal interactions between them. Personal blogs may be accessed by anyone searching the worldwide web, it is not restricted to the teacher, parents, and peers. Students must be careful to not include any personal information about themselves or anyone else. They must also take into consideration the content of their blog to ensure that they are not abusing the use of blogging by bullying peers. Taking these concerns into consideration, I believe, that blogging can be an effective teaching tool if it is used properly. The appropriate steps must be taken to ensure student safety and to ensure teacher/student/parent relationships continue to build.
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