Lesson: Biography Interviews
Target Age: Grades 3-4
Objectives: Students will use biographies as a model to design and conduct peer interviews. Students will use a classmate's interview to write a mini-biography.
Background: Throughout 2nd and 3rd grade students study famous Americans through reading biographies about them. They learn about the structure and components that make up a biography.
Procedure:
1. Have students create a list of ten questions they would ask if they were going to write their own biography.
2. In partners have students ask each other their questions while recording using audacity .
3. Students can enhance the audio clip of the interviews they conduct by adding music and an introduction.
4. All of the interviews will be posted as podcasts to the class web page.
Follow Up:
Each student will write a mini biography of one student. They will chose someone other than the person they interviewed to write about.
Assessment:
Each individual will be assessed on using the audio clip accurately, quality of their interview questions, and ability to use the information they listened to and apply it to a biography format.
Friday, July 30, 2010
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Podcast Lesson 1
Lesson: Folktales Around the World
Target Age: Grade 3-4
Objectives: Students will compare and contrast story elements (characters, plot, setting) of two different folktales
Procedure:
1. Students will visit the website http://inklesstales.wordpress.com/
2.For this lesson, they will listen to "The Cat Who Became a Queen: A Folktale from India"
3. Students will compare this folktale to a folktale of their choice from another country
4. Using the classroom library, they will select a folktale and read it
5. They will complete a Venn Diagram to compare and contrast the story elements
Assessment:
The completed Venn diagram will be used to assess student knowledge
Target Age: Grade 3-4
Objectives: Students will compare and contrast story elements (characters, plot, setting) of two different folktales
Procedure:
1. Students will visit the website http://inklesstales.wordpress.com/
2.For this lesson, they will listen to "The Cat Who Became a Queen: A Folktale from India"
3. Students will compare this folktale to a folktale of their choice from another country
4. Using the classroom library, they will select a folktale and read it
5. They will complete a Venn Diagram to compare and contrast the story elements
Assessment:
The completed Venn diagram will be used to assess student knowledge
Podcasts
Grammar Girl
http://grammar.quickanddirtytips.com/
What did you find?
Grammar Girl describes quick tips for listeners to become better writers. She responds to questions posted by both students or teachers.
What did you think?
Great idea for writing instruction. In her podcast "Active Voice Verses Passes Voice", I like how she gives several simple examples of sentences, famous quotes and music.
So What?
She found a topic that could be used by many groups of people. She gives concise responses to help listeners.
What now?
This is a great source. She explains how to get started with writing blogs as well as tips on grammar. This is a great model to understand how to effectively utilize podcasts.
Stanford Lectures
http://itunes.stanford.edu/
What did you find?
The Stanford lectures can be downloaded through iTunes. Once the process of getting iTunes installed is complete, complete lectures and presentations on specific topics can be accessed.
What did you think?
Since I did not have iTunes, the process of getting to the information was extremely frustrating. The downloads, like a lot of software, took a long time to get going. My computer shut down in the process, causing me to lose a lot of my work. Then, the download changed the settings on my browser including some of the requirements to use this website. After I took the time to get my computer back in order I was able to download access the information.
Once the information was accessed, the Stanford lectures were detailed and informative. It is interesting that a university like Stanford allows public access to so much content.
So What?
Because of the nature of setting up this kind of podcast I wouldn't expect students (at this point) to utilize iTunes for classroom information.
What now?
I don't think public schools are ready for this quite yet, but I could see this as a possibility in the future.
New PBS Podcast
http://www.podcastingnews.com/details/www.onthemedia.org/index.xml/view.htm
What did you find?
Two hosts describe and discuss "hot topics" in the news. They designed their podcast like a radio show, using the media as their way to give opinions on news stories.
What did you think?
The show was interesting to listen to and I can see why they are popular.
So What?
This design could be adapted for many audiences.
What now?
I could imagine beginners to the podcasting world using this style of media to realistically use regularly.
http://www.podcastingnews.com/details/weekendamerica.publicradio.org/rss/podcast/podcast.xml/view.htm
The final Podcast I listened to was by APM: Weekend America.
I found a casual discussion podcast about people and the things they do in their lives. They also interview everyday people and discuss what they have experienced.
It was a simple, but interesting podcast. I enjoyed listening to such a large variety of personalities.
http://grammar.quickanddirtytips.com/
What did you find?
Grammar Girl describes quick tips for listeners to become better writers. She responds to questions posted by both students or teachers.
What did you think?
Great idea for writing instruction. In her podcast "Active Voice Verses Passes Voice", I like how she gives several simple examples of sentences, famous quotes and music.
So What?
She found a topic that could be used by many groups of people. She gives concise responses to help listeners.
What now?
This is a great source. She explains how to get started with writing blogs as well as tips on grammar. This is a great model to understand how to effectively utilize podcasts.
Stanford Lectures
http://itunes.stanford.edu/
What did you find?
The Stanford lectures can be downloaded through iTunes. Once the process of getting iTunes installed is complete, complete lectures and presentations on specific topics can be accessed.
What did you think?
Since I did not have iTunes, the process of getting to the information was extremely frustrating. The downloads, like a lot of software, took a long time to get going. My computer shut down in the process, causing me to lose a lot of my work. Then, the download changed the settings on my browser including some of the requirements to use this website. After I took the time to get my computer back in order I was able to download access the information.
Once the information was accessed, the Stanford lectures were detailed and informative. It is interesting that a university like Stanford allows public access to so much content.
So What?
Because of the nature of setting up this kind of podcast I wouldn't expect students (at this point) to utilize iTunes for classroom information.
What now?
I don't think public schools are ready for this quite yet, but I could see this as a possibility in the future.
New PBS Podcast
http://www.podcastingnews.com/details/www.onthemedia.org/index.xml/view.htm
What did you find?
Two hosts describe and discuss "hot topics" in the news. They designed their podcast like a radio show, using the media as their way to give opinions on news stories.
What did you think?
The show was interesting to listen to and I can see why they are popular.
So What?
This design could be adapted for many audiences.
What now?
I could imagine beginners to the podcasting world using this style of media to realistically use regularly.
http://www.podcastingnews.com/details/weekendamerica.publicradio.org/rss/podcast/podcast.xml/view.htm
The final Podcast I listened to was by APM: Weekend America.
I found a casual discussion podcast about people and the things they do in their lives. They also interview everyday people and discuss what they have experienced.
It was a simple, but interesting podcast. I enjoyed listening to such a large variety of personalities.
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Image Blog Lesson 2
Lesson Overview: Using the photo above,students will blog about their knowledge of Ancient Rome and find modern photos inspired by the empire.
Standards:
8c. Students will demonstrate understanding of classical Rome history and geography. They will explain the effects of Ancient Rome on modern society.
Target Age: Grade 5
Procedure:
1. Students will use flickr.com to analyze and discuss Ancent Rome. They will blog about the photo and describe the images.
2. Students will search and add to the photo gallery with decriptions of how the modern photo was inspired by Ancient Rome.
Assessment:
Students will be assessed on their comments about Ancient Rome as well as their ability to describe how modern life has been inflenced.
Image Blog Lesson 1
Habitats
Lesson Overview:
Using the photos from the gallery at the following link, students can demonstrate their knowledge of habitats.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/52276388@N04/galleries/72157624429257391/
Standards: Students will understand that living and nonliving parts make up an environment or habitat. They will understand the characteristics of and living/nonliving makeup of each of 5 haitats.
Target Age: Grade 2
Procedure:
1. Introduce the lesson by showing students the picture of the desert. Ask them what habitat the photo represents. When "desert" is established, students will blog their responses to the following questions.
How do you know which habitat this is?
What other plants and animals could fit into this picture?
2. Continue the same format for the next four pictures located in th flickr gallery
for forests, rainforests, wetlands, and oceans
Assessment
Written work will be assessed for accuracy of knowledge.
Extension:
This gallery can become a wiki page for students to add photos, facts, and comments.
Each photo could be a page for students to add images of animals, plants, other environments, etc. to create a more vivid representation.
Image Blogs
Taking a look at image blogs
http://www.flickr.com/photos/lewiselementary/69461520/
What did you find?
A 3rd grade students representation of a camp in Africa.
What did you think?
This is an amazing demonstration of what creative little minds can do.
So what?
The mouse feature to give descriptions of each piece made it more meaningful.
What now?
The possibilities of image blogs are limitless.
http://www.flickr.com/groups/secretlife/pool/show/
What did you find?
A gorgeous slide show of plant and wild life along with many comments and suggestions to flickr users.
What did you think?
The pictures were unbelievable. It seems as though this project would be one to consume a lot of time. It was interesting how this brought on so many different discussions.
So what?
It is possible to do anything with collaboration and proper use of resources.
What now?
Don't put limits on what can be done.
http://www.flickr.com/groups/redrule/
What did you find?
Tons of pictures all having only one thing in common, the color red. Starting with one person's thoughts and representation of using one color to provoke something special followed by thousands of others finding the same.
What did you think?
Interesting concept. I would imagine this was not at all expected when it began.
So what?
Any simple idea can grow into something special.
What now?
Now, I can see why flickr has become so popular.
http://flickr.com/photos/tags/fliction
What did you find?
Posts of pictures with captions that are bizarre and unusual. The images seem to be unlikely to occur in real life, some of them seemingly doctored. Actually, these photos really did occur in life.
What did you think?
Great title and idea. Some of the pictures will make you laugh out loud.
So what?
This would be a great way to spark student creative writing. I can imagine some great fliction stories developing from these photos.
What now?
I will definitely bookmark this page to use in my class.
After looking around blog.flickr.net, constantly thinking "How can use this in school?" I focused on http://blog.flickr.net/en/2010/06/
What did you find?
I found many great themes for photos, and particularly liked "Seeing Stars"
What did you think?
What a great way to add to curriculum involving the solar system. Students could easily access their own pictures of stars.
So what?
This concept could translate to other science curriculum like weather, animals, matter,etc.
What now?
Use web tools to enhance education. Any topic or idea can be used.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/lewiselementary/69461520/
What did you find?
A 3rd grade students representation of a camp in Africa.
What did you think?
This is an amazing demonstration of what creative little minds can do.
So what?
The mouse feature to give descriptions of each piece made it more meaningful.
What now?
The possibilities of image blogs are limitless.
http://www.flickr.com/groups/secretlife/pool/show/
What did you find?
A gorgeous slide show of plant and wild life along with many comments and suggestions to flickr users.
What did you think?
The pictures were unbelievable. It seems as though this project would be one to consume a lot of time. It was interesting how this brought on so many different discussions.
So what?
It is possible to do anything with collaboration and proper use of resources.
What now?
Don't put limits on what can be done.
http://www.flickr.com/groups/redrule/
What did you find?
Tons of pictures all having only one thing in common, the color red. Starting with one person's thoughts and representation of using one color to provoke something special followed by thousands of others finding the same.
What did you think?
Interesting concept. I would imagine this was not at all expected when it began.
So what?
Any simple idea can grow into something special.
What now?
Now, I can see why flickr has become so popular.
http://flickr.com/photos/tags/fliction
What did you find?
Posts of pictures with captions that are bizarre and unusual. The images seem to be unlikely to occur in real life, some of them seemingly doctored. Actually, these photos really did occur in life.
What did you think?
Great title and idea. Some of the pictures will make you laugh out loud.
So what?
This would be a great way to spark student creative writing. I can imagine some great fliction stories developing from these photos.
What now?
I will definitely bookmark this page to use in my class.
After looking around blog.flickr.net, constantly thinking "How can use this in school?" I focused on http://blog.flickr.net/en/2010/06/
What did you find?
I found many great themes for photos, and particularly liked "Seeing Stars"
What did you think?
What a great way to add to curriculum involving the solar system. Students could easily access their own pictures of stars.
So what?
This concept could translate to other science curriculum like weather, animals, matter,etc.
What now?
Use web tools to enhance education. Any topic or idea can be used.
Saturday, July 17, 2010
Native Americans Wiki Lesson
The social studies curriculum has may opportunities for enrichment. A large portion of the 2nd grade curriculum is based on American Indians. The students study several tribes, focusing on specific information about the Pueblo, Sioux, and Powhatan tribes. There is much information to cover. A wiki would nicely organize student work.
Native Ammericans Wiki
Target Age: Grade 2
Objectives:
The student will develop map skills by
a) locating the regions of the Powhatan, Sioux, and Pueblo Indians on United States maps;
b)comparing the climate, land, and plant life of these regions;
c) describing how people in these regions adapt to their environment. (SOL 2.4)
Wiki Descriprion/Overview:
The wiki will be designed so that the three tribes/groups of Indians eah have their own link on the wiki main page. Once the link is clicked, each tribe will be organized into categories.
1. geography- students will add maps, with highlighted regions
2. Food
3. Climate and plant life
4. Transportation
5. Homes
6. Jobs
7. Interesting facts
8. Literature connections
Students will be responible for one of those pages. Additions and edits to pages can be made by students/teachers.
Example: One student will be responsible for describing and representing the homes of Sioux Indians. They would describe the teepees, use gaphics/illustrations, and describe why teepees were effective homes.
Students will be assessed on their ability to us the wiki and accuracy of information.
Native Ammericans Wiki
Target Age: Grade 2
Objectives:
The student will develop map skills by
a) locating the regions of the Powhatan, Sioux, and Pueblo Indians on United States maps;
b)comparing the climate, land, and plant life of these regions;
c) describing how people in these regions adapt to their environment. (SOL 2.4)
Wiki Descriprion/Overview:
The wiki will be designed so that the three tribes/groups of Indians eah have their own link on the wiki main page. Once the link is clicked, each tribe will be organized into categories.
1. geography- students will add maps, with highlighted regions
2. Food
3. Climate and plant life
4. Transportation
5. Homes
6. Jobs
7. Interesting facts
8. Literature connections
Students will be responible for one of those pages. Additions and edits to pages can be made by students/teachers.
Example: One student will be responsible for describing and representing the homes of Sioux Indians. They would describe the teepees, use gaphics/illustrations, and describe why teepees were effective homes.
Students will be assessed on their ability to us the wiki and accuracy of information.
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