Science Clips, (2007). Sound and Hearing. Retrieved September 27, 2007 from: http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/scienceclips/ages/5_6/sound_hearing.shtml
I have chosen to look into the elementary science program specifically for grade three. Within the grade-three science curriculum there are five units that are supposed to be covered. These units include the following:
A. Rocks and Minerals
B. Building with a Variety of Materials
C. Testing Materials and Designs
D. Hearing and Sound
E. Animal Life Cycles
(Alberta Government, 2007).
For this assignment I have decided to choose the hearing and sound unit.
My teaching activity would be a brief lecture on sound and vibrations. I would bring in a few different types of instruments and demonstrate the various volume and sounds that can be created when hitting, striking, or plucking an instrument lightly or heavily. I would explain a bit about sound travel and how the vibrations work. I would explain how the sound is louder for the student near the instrument then it would be if a student was out in the hall. I would pass the instruments around or call on volunteers to come demonstrate how the different force expresses a different sound. I would then go to the computer lab and give the students the web address above and get them to apply what they just learned by practicing on this website. As the teacher I would circle the room while they were working to ensure that the class was on task but also to be available for any questions.
After reading through the program of studies I understand that there are several outcomes that are expected but also outcome that I would like to see once this unit was finished.
The general learning outcomes of grade-three science include, being able to investigate through observation, recognize patterns and make predictions, as well as examine a problem and develop a solution.
For the unit on sound and hearing specifically students should understand sound, volume, vibrations, pitch, sound travel, human ears/ animal ears and finally sensitivity. Students should know the nature of sound and how to produce and control it. They should know that sound comes from vibration and that loud sound can damage hearing. Students should also know the process of soundproofing and sound amplifying. For the application part of this unit there are also several steps that the students should know. They should be able to demonstrate various ways of producing sound and also describe how the human ear senses vibrations. Students should be able to compare hearing in humans to hearing in animals as well as describe the changes in hearing as a result of loud noise or aging.
For the ICT learner outcomes the unit would involve Category C2: “Communicating, Inquiring, Decision Making and Problem Solving” as well as C6 where “students will use technology to investigate and/or solve problems.” Lastly Category F6: “Foundational Operations, Knowledge and Concepts” will be used, where students demonstrate a basic understanding of technology, such as using the curser to click on icons.
The lesson I just created covers some of the program of study outcomes that are required by the government of Alberta. The class would learn about volume, some vibrations, pitch, and some sound travel. The students would also get the chance for self-assessment by using the site online to see how much they can remember. They would also be gaining experience and basic understanding of using technology to help them learn. I feel that not only does the integration of technology meet some of the ICT outcomes, but it also is a fun and interactive way of getting the students involved and applying what they know. Plus, the website is a great tool that can be used for practice and self-assessment.
Below are some other sources that teach more about sound and hearing.
Bitesize revision, (2007). Science-Changing sounds. Retrieved September 27, 2007 from:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/ks2bitesize/science/revision_bites/changing_sounds.shtml
Discovery Education, (2007). The Phenomenon of Sound Waves. Retrieved September 27, 2007 from: http://school.discoveryeducation.com/lessonplans/programs/soundwaves/
National Arts Centre, (2006). The Instrument Lab. Retrieved September 27, 2007 from: http://www.artsalive.ca/en/mus/instrumentlab/
Teacher Planet, (2006). The Ear and Hearing (series 1). Retrieved September 27, 2007 from: http://www.teacherplanet.com/links/redirect.php?url=http://clerccenter.gallaudet.edu/InfoToGo/567/567.html
Thursday, September 27, 2007
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
Blogging in the Classroom
There are many positives and negatives that come into play went integrating technology, such as blogging, into a classroom. After reviewing the readings I feel that blogging can be a very beneficial tool of learning in the classroom if used properly. However, I also feel that the age level of such a source should be taken into consideration. For this assignment I have decided to look into grade 8 students with a focus on the curricular area of social sciences. Clarence Fisher expresses in the first link below, the positive influence that blogging can have on student learning. I agree with him that blogs can be a way for students to learn and discover new places, and cultures in this world. They can also take ownership in sharing their own culture and traditions. Below are some links that address blogging in the classroom.
http://remoteaccess.typepad.com/remote_access/2006/05/blogs_invitatio.html
http://kmh274.wordpress.com/2007/06/14/blogs-in-the-classroom/
http://www.glencoe.com/sec/teachingtoday/educationupclose.phtml/47
The grade 8 curriculum involves learning about culture and community as well as getting to know the history of other cultures. I can see the how learning directly through the stories of other students from different countries can be more impacting then reading about culture through a textbook. However, there are also several dangers in using this type of technology. Blogs are great ways for student to easily read and learn great detail about another student and his or her culture. Therefore it is very crucial for restrictions to be set in place to ensure web safety. I choose to support blogging being integrated into the classroom at the grade 8 level because I feel that student in this generation would most likely be already involved in web based interactions with peers, such as “facebook” or “myspace.” Therefore I feel that teaching blogging in a classroom will help structure the value of such resources, and give opportunities for students to learn the importance of safety when using the web.
The steps below can be followed to learn how to ensure safety in the classroom…
It is import to remember that as a teacher you are responsible for all that takes place in your classroom. Therefore I would ensure that the students are on task when working on computers during class time. I would also personally read the blogs of my students to make sure that the content of their work is appropriate and not too personal.
I might also set up some blocking devices where I link all the class blogs together and make is so that only members of the class can add comments on each others blogs. If there was a way to block random viewers from seeing the sites, I would also set in place that restriction. It would be neat to get in touch with another teacher overseas and link that classroom of students with my own classroom of students so that the cultural learning experience is a structured and safe and environment.
http://remoteaccess.typepad.com/remote_access/2006/05/blogs_invitatio.html
http://kmh274.wordpress.com/2007/06/14/blogs-in-the-classroom/
http://www.glencoe.com/sec/teachingtoday/educationupclose.phtml/47
The grade 8 curriculum involves learning about culture and community as well as getting to know the history of other cultures. I can see the how learning directly through the stories of other students from different countries can be more impacting then reading about culture through a textbook. However, there are also several dangers in using this type of technology. Blogs are great ways for student to easily read and learn great detail about another student and his or her culture. Therefore it is very crucial for restrictions to be set in place to ensure web safety. I choose to support blogging being integrated into the classroom at the grade 8 level because I feel that student in this generation would most likely be already involved in web based interactions with peers, such as “facebook” or “myspace.” Therefore I feel that teaching blogging in a classroom will help structure the value of such resources, and give opportunities for students to learn the importance of safety when using the web.
The steps below can be followed to learn how to ensure safety in the classroom…
It is import to remember that as a teacher you are responsible for all that takes place in your classroom. Therefore I would ensure that the students are on task when working on computers during class time. I would also personally read the blogs of my students to make sure that the content of their work is appropriate and not too personal.
I might also set up some blocking devices where I link all the class blogs together and make is so that only members of the class can add comments on each others blogs. If there was a way to block random viewers from seeing the sites, I would also set in place that restriction. It would be neat to get in touch with another teacher overseas and link that classroom of students with my own classroom of students so that the cultural learning experience is a structured and safe and environment.
Thursday, September 6, 2007
Greetings
Welcome to my blog!
My name is Tamara Craft and I was born in Creston, B.C. At a young age I moved with my family to Whitehorse, Yukon, where I grew up. Above is a picture of the house that my dad built that I grew up in. Living in Whitehorse had its challenges as well as its perks. Although the winters can be extremely cold, the northern lights and stars are breathtaking. My favorite however, is the summers where we get 24-hour-daylight! For as long as I can remember I have wanted to be a teacher. I started off wanting to teach elementary school but as I get older I realize how much I also enjoy working with the older age levels. I think that one day it would be great to experience it all. I would have to say that I am more then excited that I have gotten into the education faculty and I can't wait to see all that I will be learning about over the next two years.
Today was our first 'Technology and Education' class and I was surprised and excited to find out that we are going to be doing a lot of the course work through computers and without face-to-face interaction. I really enjoy computers but I wouldn't say that I am extremely talented when it comes to working with them. I do agree with what my professor said about technology and how it allows individuals to become excellent teachers because, technology is the future. I am a little worried that I might get a little lost but I am grateful for the opportunity to get extra help during the scheduled lab times. Today in class we looked at several video clips that middle school students put together. The clips are very touching and well put together. The video clips are great examples of how technology can be used in a classroom in a positive way. It also addressed how young students can reach the world using technology, causing change, and making a difference.
So I can see how blogging and using other forms of technology can be a great asset in the schools. Blogging creates a way for the students to communicate what they are feeling to their peers and their teacher in an open way, by using multimedia. Students are able to bring across there own ideas and take pride and ownership for the things that they do. Students can learn to work with multiple forms of technology such as editing, problems solving, managing time and data, researching, and understanding the importance of technology, how it applies to society and the work field today.
However, there are many other factors that need to be addresses when integrating blogging into a classroom. Blogging can be a great way to allow parents and peers to view the work of the students and feel apart of their learning, but it can also become a safety issue. Students need to be aware of the harm that improper use of professionalism and privacy can result in various kinds of danger. Overall, if used properly blogs and other types of technology can enhance learning in a classroom causing students to feel a sense of accomplishment where they are also being equipped for a technology driven world.
My name is Tamara Craft and I was born in Creston, B.C. At a young age I moved with my family to Whitehorse, Yukon, where I grew up. Above is a picture of the house that my dad built that I grew up in. Living in Whitehorse had its challenges as well as its perks. Although the winters can be extremely cold, the northern lights and stars are breathtaking. My favorite however, is the summers where we get 24-hour-daylight! For as long as I can remember I have wanted to be a teacher. I started off wanting to teach elementary school but as I get older I realize how much I also enjoy working with the older age levels. I think that one day it would be great to experience it all. I would have to say that I am more then excited that I have gotten into the education faculty and I can't wait to see all that I will be learning about over the next two years.
Today was our first 'Technology and Education' class and I was surprised and excited to find out that we are going to be doing a lot of the course work through computers and without face-to-face interaction. I really enjoy computers but I wouldn't say that I am extremely talented when it comes to working with them. I do agree with what my professor said about technology and how it allows individuals to become excellent teachers because, technology is the future. I am a little worried that I might get a little lost but I am grateful for the opportunity to get extra help during the scheduled lab times. Today in class we looked at several video clips that middle school students put together. The clips are very touching and well put together. The video clips are great examples of how technology can be used in a classroom in a positive way. It also addressed how young students can reach the world using technology, causing change, and making a difference.
So I can see how blogging and using other forms of technology can be a great asset in the schools. Blogging creates a way for the students to communicate what they are feeling to their peers and their teacher in an open way, by using multimedia. Students are able to bring across there own ideas and take pride and ownership for the things that they do. Students can learn to work with multiple forms of technology such as editing, problems solving, managing time and data, researching, and understanding the importance of technology, how it applies to society and the work field today.
However, there are many other factors that need to be addresses when integrating blogging into a classroom. Blogging can be a great way to allow parents and peers to view the work of the students and feel apart of their learning, but it can also become a safety issue. Students need to be aware of the harm that improper use of professionalism and privacy can result in various kinds of danger. Overall, if used properly blogs and other types of technology can enhance learning in a classroom causing students to feel a sense of accomplishment where they are also being equipped for a technology driven world.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)