My lessons are actually an interdisciplinary approach encompassing science, geography, writing, reading, and of course, technology. The geography lesson would have students exploring the different land masses throughout the world and their land composition using maps. Class discussions would focus on the impact of land composition on economics, agriculture, and human population. In science, students would be introduced to the different types of rocks and their formation as well as recieve hands on tasks for identifying them during bi-weekly labs. Groups would share their findings in both small group and whole class discussions.
As an extension for learning more about geography and the types of rocks to be found , students would be asked to complete a rock hunt within their community and from areas they may visit during the semester. Students would post pictures, maps or any other media to help describe their findings and locale in which they made their discoveries. Additionally, students would be asked to write a short blog on how they were able to identify their rocks. The access to youtube videos would provide an easy review of the types of rocks for students. In checking the blog weekly, students are able to review posts from other students. Setting up cross-country or international communications would enhance student understanding of the world they live in. As a final closing to our unit, the blogs would be reviewed and using maps, different rock types from around the world could be discussed.
What an amazing idea to get the community involved which is so powerful. Our community members are such a large part of learning and ours students can learn so much from them. I also think that your component of maps, pics, etc. is great tool to use on a blog. I think that the blog becomes much more valuable to the students when they not only are interacting with technology but they are also seeing pictures from other idividuals. I do inquiry science and I just finished a unit on rocks and minerals so I really like your ideas!
ReplyDeleteThis is a really great idea in how to get the students involved with Science. Science is always a difficult subject to teach, and by allowing a set up other than lecture or small lab activities. Setting up a blog is a great idea and allowing them to incorporate video clips and pictures on their blogs is a great way of incorporating technology with in the classroom.
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