Science Unit Ideas

Science Unit Ideas

1. One idea I have would be for kindergarten. This unit would focus on space. I would first spend some time reading non-fiction books to them about space to introduce the topic. Then I would sign out the smart board and go to websites, such as NASA kids, to show them some images of space so they would get a better feel of what space is really like. Then I would have them all work on a page to put into a “Space Book” using Pixie. This would be a way for them to get more familiar with the laptops and also use a program. I would then print out the pages and make a book. Each of them would then get a version of it and they would have to write sentences to describe the pictures on each page. Once they were done they would be able to color it and share it with the class. We could then give each author compliments and feedback like we do with each piece of writing. This way they would become more familiar with the web and also using Pixie as a way to gather thoughts and images to make their very own “Space Book.”

2. My next unit idea would be for third grade rocks. For this unit I would have them start out by going online to try and find the differences between sedimentary, igneous, and metamorphosis. To do this they will use a website worksheet found as a like off my website. This will help students become familiar with the web and the resources they can find using it. From there we will have a guest speaker come in and talk about these rocks and also bring examples. This speaker will be Mr. Higgins because he came in to talk to my class when I was in third grade as well as my brothers. From there we will take digital pictures of the rocks he brings in and we will then upload them using iMovie and make a movie out of our rock unit. We will be able to add music and audio to give information they got while researching. Each student will be responsible for at least 30 seconds of audio telling something they learned about and their very own image to add. Once we create our iMovie, I will burn each student a copy of the movie and then one of their homework assignments will be to watch the movie with their families and have someone sign and return it so I know all families can see how hard each student worked on this unit.

3. My next unit idea would be in a fifth grade room with a topic on inventions. I would have the class put into several groups of three. Then they would all be responsible for the same materials, but their job would be to invent something by only using the supplies and one other material of their choice. They would have to keep individual blog accounts updating them as they go along to talk about their successes and failures. Once they are done with their inventions their job will be to take images or video of it, this will be their choice, and them upload it into iMovie so the class can see their invention and what it would be used for. This would also connect with creativity because they would have to be constantly thinking about what they should or could add to make their invention unique and something people may actually use. The name of their invention will appear on the title page of their movie and each group member will be responsible for a minute audio each describing what they invented. Since this unit will only be about two weeks we will work the first week in class to make the inventions and then the next week will be spent making the movies. The final movies will be sent home to be viewed with a permission slip and signed by a family member saying they saw the future Oscar winning piece and that they are very impressed!

4. My next unit idea would be on flowers. This would be for a first grade classroom and I would have them make their very own flower book by watching a flower grow in the classroom and by using Pixie they can create their own flower book and the process the flower went through while growing to reach its full potential. Before we start the flower book though we will read non-fiction plant books to learn more about what they are like and some of the characteristics. This will be a good time to introduce photosynthesis and for me to learn what they already know. Once each of them has created a plant book I will compile them all onto a smartboard presentation and then as a class we can go through and create sentences that would be appropriate for the illustrations. This would give each student the chance to be the illustrator and the author, but in a fun and interactive way. Once we have gone through with the smartboard and completed our “Plant Book,” I will print each of them one to take home and share with their families so they can learn more about plants as well. I would also put this up online so parents could watch the process of the book in the making.

5. For my final unit idea, I would do weather in forth grade. For this topic they would start by researching the weather patterns for Maine online or by watching TV at home. They would have a chart to fill out that included things such as the tide and the dew point. This would get them familiar with some of the vocabulary. Then once we have gone over weather briefly, their job would be to research the four seasons in Maine and see what they are like. What are the average temperatures? What crops are we known for? Then they will have to make a web using Kidspiration to show the four season and some of the characteristics. This would help put it into an outline for their final paper. There final paper would have to include all four season and how they are different. There would have to be evidence of research about Maine and what the seasons are like. Also, what brings people to Maine in each season? This would be their first research paper and by introducing it with Kidspiration, they will be able to get a clear idea of how a paper could be set up with an introduction, body, and conclusion.

Blog C

I believe that every classroom should have some form of technology that will help further the education of all students involved no matter what their ability is. Some of the technology that I have seen that could be added to a classroom can benefit more than just exceptional students or special needs children. I feel that all children in the classroom should have a chance to become familiar with the technology and feel as though no one is being treated differently. Each student may have a different use for it, but the concept of them using it shouldn’t change.

One of the first questions we were asked to address in this blog post is what universal design is. After looking over this website, I found that universal design is an approach that gives many ways of learning. There is no one correct way to do something. Students are able to learn and understand in many ways and they are also able to demonstrate what they know in more than one way as well. I feel that universal design is a great way for students of different learning abilities to come together and express what they have really learned in a way that is comfortable and successful for them personally. If the student is engaged and can relate to the material being presented, there will be more motivation overall and this will benefit the individual student, teacher, and class as a whole. This is a flexible approach that is setting up the class to succeed since there is no one way for everyone to learn.

After looking up what Section 508 is I found out that that it is required that electronic and technological information has to be given to people with disabilities.¹ One website stated the purpose of Section 508 to be as follows “Section 508 requires Federal departments and agencies that develop, procure, maintain, or use electronic and information technology to ensure that Federal employees and members of the public with disabilities have access to and use of information and data, comparable to that of the employees and members of the public without disabilities unless it is an undue burden to do so.”² This statement really helped put this section into prospective for me. This covers federal agencies such as the United States Post Office.

After spending some time in the Kalikow Center last week, there were several pieces of technology that I would really like to have in my classroom when I become a teacher. Some I know will be possible, while others I probably won’t have the chance to use. The one that would be my dream piece of technology was the Tango! This would really separate the barrier between teacher, parents, and students with disabilities. This would be very expensive though for the school to afford so this may not be something I get the chance to use. I also really liked the start to finish books. I feel that this would be very helpful for kids who are either above or behind the others in their class. This could also be used as a special privilege for those who have already finished their work and want to listen to a book and follow along. I feel that this is something that I might get the chance to use. The board maker seemed like it would also be a great tool for any classroom. I made a “how are you feeling today” board and I feel that this would really help simplify certain things as a teacher and wouldn’t be asking too much to have it available in schools. The forth technology I looked up was the electronic whiteboards. Most of us know them as smartboard. The reason I was interested to look this up was because I was wondering how much they cost and how realistic it would be to have them in every classroom or at least most in a school. I found out that they are anywhere from a couple thousand dollars up. These seems like it would be a great interactive way to keep student and teachers involved and on the same topic.

In conclusion, I have learned a lot about assistive technology over the past few days and after visiting the Kalikow Center. I know realize how important it is to use these advances in technology in a practicum class and even in your future career. I can see how important it is for children to express what they learn and know in more than one way. These advances can really separate that barrier and help children move forward in their education. When using assistive technology, those students who may have fallen behind usually can now stay on track to success. This can also help the teachers when they feel as though they can’t directly help each level. I now realize that there is a lot of technology out there for teachers and parents, it is just a matter of realizing the importance of assistive technology and how it can really help everyone involved.

1. http://www.section508.gov/

2. http://www.access-board.gov/sec508/brochure.htm