Blog Phase One: Lesson 3 Reflection!!!!!!

Assessing Prior Knowledge and Planning Instruction:

Prior to this lesson, students should be aware of the different animals and plants that live in the ocean. The students can explore how important it is for us to keep the ocean clean just like we need to keep our world clean. This knowledge will then help the students understand how oil and pollutants negatively affect the water and harm all things living in it. Prior knowledge will be formatively assessed when the class has a whole group discussion after/during reading the book aloud. Students will also have time to ask any questions and make any comments about what we plan to learn (our objectives). In doing this, teachers will be given useful information on the student’s strengths and weaknesses on the topic. This lesson should be taught in the fourth grade because the objectives align closely with the state standards put in place. This lesson can be taught after learning about the life cycles of plants and animals, and before introducing global warming!

Designing Instruction (InTask Standards 7 and 8):

We chose these instructional methods to teach this lesson because students will always be engaged and actively interacting with the new information being taught to them. These instructional methods align with the best practices because we are reading aloud, writing, working on computer and creating opinionated proposals. The students are also given plenty the choice to work in small groups or alone throughout the lesson. In conclusion, the methods and activities planned will surely promote higher order thinking and a more meaningful connection and understanding to the material.

Planning Assessment (InTask Standard 6):

The assessment aligns with the standards and objectives of this lesson by checking for understanding of how oil interacts and negatively impacts water, our oceans, animals, plants, and us. The assessment demonstrates the student’s mastery by their ability to successfully fill out their observations during the online activity, sharing their personal thoughts and opinions related to the topic, score on the online quiz, and their personal proposals. Individual needs of the students are met throughout the lesson by the various activities planned. The students have plenty of opportunities to interact with the material and demonstrate their understanding. This lesson is student centered with plenty of opportunities for all students to succeed.

How does your lesson meet each of the ISTE NETs Standards?

This lesson facilitates and inspires student learning and creativity by providing fun and hands on activities for students. These activities allow students to visually see how oil interacts with water and feathers. Students are encouraged to discover and make predictions during this process, which will promote a deeper and more meaningful understanding to the lesson. This lesson also encourages student creativity when they are asked to work on their personal proposals. This will give students the time to formulate their own idea and plans on how to prevent this problem in their own communities. In doing this, students will be making connections to their personal lives and practicing problem solving skills. This lesson provides digital-age learning experiences and assessments by using the projector, computers, and tablets for videos, quizzes, and notes. While working with all of these different types of technology, the teacher will (of course) be modeling appropriate and safe use of each. The teacher will also be walking around the classroom to ensure all students are on-task and being responsible. Also, the website chosen is teacher and students friendly—meaning no ads or unsafe content will be surprising anyone!