Blog Phase One - Lesson 2 Reflection!

Blog Phase One - Lesson 2 Reflection!

Assessing Prior Knowledge and Planning Instruction:
Prior to teaching this lesson, students will need to know about different chemicals and how our environment can be impacted by them. They may need to explore how humans can produce different chemicals into the air by various everyday activities. I plan to assess this prior knowledge by having students write a quick write on this topic the day prior in their journals. This will show me where all students stand on the topic, and will help guide my instruction on where to begin the next day. It will also spark students interest on what we will be learning the following day. This content should be taught during this grade level because it aligns very closely to the standards for fourth grade in Arizona. The objectives I have for this lesson directly relate to the state standard and ensure students will be able to understand acid rain, how it impacts our environment, and how they can prevent it. This lesson will likely be taught in the middle of the school year. This will allow time for students to gain the background knowledge needed, and will also allow time for students to (possibly) create and implement a plan (as a class project) on how to help their community.  

Designing Instruction (InTask Standards 7 and 8):
I’ve chosen these instructional methods to teach this lesson because they offer plenty of opportunities for all students to be fully engaged and learning the new content in a variety of ways. I believe the fun and interactive website will spark student’s interest while offering plenty of picture, activities, and games for students to make meaningful connections. I also offer plenty of time for students to interact with one another and myself throughout the lesson. This will promote ALL student engagement. Furthermore, I made sure to offer time for students to show what they’ve learned during the final quick write. This will hold each and every student accountable for his or her learning and progress during the lesson. Lastly, I am engaging students in creative and higher order thinking by addressing these essential questions.. What is Acid Rain? How does it impact the world around you? What can you do to help minimize Acid Rain in your community?

So what? Acid rain is harmful to the world around you; however, there are many different ways YOU can help minimize this in your very own community.

Who cares? YOU should definitively care about keeping your earth, community, and water in a healthy condition for you and your friends and family!

 
Planning Assessment (InTask Standard 6):  

The assessments throughout the lesson align closely with the standards I’ve chosen because they specifically ask the students to discuss and explain different causes of acid rain, how to minimize it in their community, and also the negative impacts of acid rain on their environment. By completing the final quick write and answering the questions, I will be able to see if students were able to fully grasp the new content based on their answers. I also plan to assess students throughout the lesson when working on the website, in groups, and during whole group discussion. In ding this, I will be sure to pay close attention to students who may be struggling with the content and offering any assistance on their individual needs. This formative assessment will also ensure all students are engaged and on task. The essential questions provided will also ensure students are looking at the ‘big picture’ and making meaningful connections to their ever day lives and communities.

 
How does your lesson meet each of the ISTE NETs Standards?
My lesson meets Standard 1 because it allows plenty of time for students to work and learn in a variety of ways. It offers time for students to work with me, classmates, and on their own. It also allows time for students to navigate through a student friendly website on the new content being presented. Students are also encouraged to be creative when completing the quick writes. They will have time to explore new ideas to help their very own community after learning about Acid Rain and how it impacts their environment. My lesson also meets Standard 2 because it offers time for students to spend on a computer while learning new material. Standard 3 is met through my time instructing from the website, and through my time modeling for the students on how to successfully navigate the activities and games. In doing this, I will be showing students how learning can be done on the computer through educational websites. Lastly, my lesson meets all parts of Standard 4 because I will be modeling for students how to responsibly be using the computer and website. I will also be walking around for students to ask any questions while making sure everyone is on task. I will also be meeting all the needs of diverse learners by offering any assistance needed. Students may also choose to work in small groups if needed.