Science Challenge

I viewed and commented on the following projects:

Stephanie
Megan
Jessica

I thought doing this project was very beneficial. It showed me how easy and fun using technology can be, in a variety of different subject matters. I particularly loved learning about Kidsperation. This is a program that I think I will definitely use in my classroom. It makes it so easy for the kids to organize and analyze data, which will greatly assist in their learning.

Voice Thread Phases of the Moon

Science Challenge Plan

Rebecca Peek
Ali Balls
Meagan Miller

Content
Standard 1
Students will understand that the appearance of the moon changes in a predictable cycle as it orbits Earth and as Earth rotates on its axis.
Objective 1
Explain patterns of changes in the appearance of the moon as it orbits Earth.
Identifier
a. Describe changes in the appearance of the moon during a month.

Pedagogy
Observing: given a blank calendar students will track the phases of the moon for one month
Predicting: students will make predictions of what the moon will look like on various days of the month
Acquiring and processing data: students will fill out calendar by sketching the phases of the moon as they observe it
Analyzing data: students will create a complete visual representation of the phases of the moon

Observing, predicting, acquiring and processing data, and analyzing data will be a good fit with the content because they will aid the students in learning the phases of the moon. As students make predictions about the phases of the moon, students will be more accountable for their observations and how it relates to their hypothesis. As they acquire, process and analyze data they will better understand how the moon changes in appearance throughout the month.

Technology
• Kidsperation: This allows students to create concept maps, which will be useful in analyzing the phases of the moon.
• Stellarium: This allows students to look at the night sky from anywhere on the earth at any time. This will be perfect for analyzing the phases of the moon and making accurate representations of what each phase looks like.

Science Activity:
We will be having the students use Stellarium to observe the moon each night. They will be given a blank calendar and will be assigned to sketch the appearance/observation of the moon each night for one complete month. Throughout this month they will also be creating concept maps through the use of Kidsperation on which they will make predictions concerning the phases of the moon. At the end of the month they will analyze the concept maps and compare and contrast them with their own sketches from the calendar. They will also create a complete visual representation of the phases of the moon.

Google Earth Tour PLE

I viewed and commented on the following tours:

Cassy
Stephanie
Jessica

I thought the Google Earth tour was really cool. I think kids would love it and I do think that it would be helpful in the classroom to show students where things are and to make places throughout the world become more real to them. However, this tour took a lot of time to complete and I think there are other ways that could present the information that may be just as affective. I think I will use Google Earth tours in my classroom, but using regular Google Earth might be more practical.

Google Earth Tour

Here is the link to the tour.

Virtual Tour Plan

5th Grade Social Studies

Standard 2: Students will understand the chronology and significance of key events leading to self government

Objective 1: Describe how the movement toward revolution culminated in a Declaration of Independence

Indicator a: Explain the role of events that led to declaring independence (e.g. French and Indian War, Stamp Act, Boston Tea Party)

Location	Activity Description	Google Earth Content
1. Carpenters Hall, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania	Please click on the link and read about the first Continental Congress. We all have "grievances" about something. Make a list of grievances you have about the set up of our classroom. (i.e. I demand longer recess.)	Read information on First Continental Congress on link http://www.ushistory.org/declaration/revwartimline.htm

Location	Activity Description	Google Earth Content
2. Lexington, Massachusetts	Look at and measure the distance of Paul Revere's ride.	Read information on Paul Revere's ride on link http://www.ushistory.org/declaration/revwartimeline.htm
3. Valley Forge, Pennsylvania	View photo of Valley Forge.	Read information on George Washington's encampment at Valley forge on link http://www.ushistory.org/declaration/revwartimeline.htm
4. Boston, Massachusetts	Write your own account as if you were a participant of Boston Tea Party on class blog.	Read "Account of a Boston Tea Party Participant" on link http://www.ushistory.org/declaration/revwartimeline.htm

Location	Activity Description	Google Earth Content
1. Bunker Hill, Massachusetts	View photos of Bunker Hill. Write a letter to your parents as if you were a soldier fighting at Bunker Hill. View example on link.	Read information on Battle of Bunker Hill on link http://www.ushistory.org/declaration/revwartimeline.htm
2. York, Pennsylvania	How many Articles are there in the Articles of Confederation? What does the word "united" mean to you?	Read first three Articles of Confederation on link http://www.ushistory.org/declaration/revwartimeline.htm
3. Independence Hall, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania	How many signatures are on the Declaration of Independence? Practice your own signature as if you were a signer of the Declaration of Independence.	View Declaration of Independence on link http://www.ushistory.org/declaration/revwartimeline.htm
4. Third Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania	If you were a writer during the Revolutionary War, what do you think would be the most important things to write?	Read about and view Common Sense by Thomas Paine on link http://ushistory.org/declaration/revwartimeline.htm

Meagan and I decided to do our digital tour on the Revolutionary War because it is such an important part of our American history. We thought it would make this topic more realistic for the students and help them better understand the times, events, and places of the Revolutionary War. I believe the Google Earth Tour would be better than traditional teaching because it will make the Revolutionary War come alive for the students and really help them understand the content. I also believe that it would benefit the students because they could actually visualize where these events took place.