Integrating Technology

into the K-8 curriculumED 5670 Nancy Nachtigal July 28, 2009

An inquiry-based lesson

• Adaptable to grade levels K-8

• Science Standards-based

• NYSED “Crosswalk” technology standards

Teachers helping students find their

INNER SCIENTISTS

OBSERVATION

Begin with a nature scavenger hunt outside on school property.

Students will record their observations:

• Hand lens

•Digital camera

•Notebook & pencil, PDA’s, or Tablet PCs

Hypothesis

Process their observations

• Identify where student interest lies

• Stimulate instructional conversation & guide students to a “big” question– Ex. (K-4) What kind of caterpillar did we find?

How can we learn more about it?– Ex. (5-8) Is our stream healthy? How can we

revitalize/protect it?

Procedures

Group students at learning centers

(K – 6)

(K – 12)

(view simulations)

(3 – 12)

VIDEO CENTER

WEB RESEARCH CENTER

• Kathy Schrock’s Guide for Educators - General Science

• Exploratorium

• Google SafeSearch

WRITING CENTER

• Create a class science blog .

(Read Reading, Writing, and Thinking like a Scientist

to learn how to support writing in the inquiry model)

• Post vocabulary terms on a class wiki

• Map information on graphic organizers, e.g. Kidspiration

DIGITAL MEDIA PRODUCTION CENTER

• Write a fictional narrative using digital storytelling tools and science research

• Create and narrate a PowerPoint and post it on Slideshare

• Mount the digital photos in Photostory3 and make a movie

• Produce a ‘how-to’ movie answering the ‘big idea’ question

Assessment

• Use Rubistar to create rubrics– Blog– Wiki– Digital stories– Slideshows– Videos– Self-evaluations

• Record your grades in Engrade

Professional Development

• Learning Science Through Inquiry

• FAQs about Inquiry

• Thinkfinity lesson plans & activities