I created a Curriculum Web Project that was designed for 5th grade Science Students at Salina Intermediate School. The web was specially based on living things in order to assist teachers in providing instruction to students in Life Science. Throughout this presentation, you will see how students can work collaboratively and interact with one another through various hands-on activities. The goals of this lesson were allow students to experience the world of living things and to understand the many different aspects of the process in which living things have to encounter by evolving and reproducing. Students will be able to understand what living things are, their life cycle, and the roles they take on. There is a process in which teachers and students will take on a set of instructions in order to complete the tasks involved. The standards used throughout this project are the expectations needed out of the students throughout this tasks as well as the skills that are needed to do so.
While creating this web, I wanted to provide resources that would allow access to other sites as well as information based on living things. An evaluation was necessary in order to demonstrate whether or not students understood and would comprehend the information presentated using a standardized rubric. Also, to further assess students an assessment as well as on online assessment were developed to test how much students know about living things.
I hope you all enjoy as much as I did in creating it! Enjoy :)
Sunday, December 2, 2007
Thursday, November 22, 2007
Cultural Awareness
I designed a Curriculum Web for 5th grade Science students. The Curriculum Web was based upon the topic of living things. I do believe that this web is created for different cultures and is simplified in a way in which other students of various backgrounds could relate to the material being presented. For me, visual images are a cultural variable that would be incorporated, in which students may very well relate to the material presented. Through those visual images, students are able to distinguish and recognize what the topic is about. Also, active participation and stimulated learning environments are another key factor in the "cultural variables" that can be used to help enhance the learning outcomes of students.
I believe for any cultural background, students learn best through not only visual images or objects, but also through stimulated and hands-on learning environment.
I believe for any cultural background, students learn best through not only visual images or objects, but also through stimulated and hands-on learning environment.
Friday, November 9, 2007
Constructivist Learning
Using Dreamweaver has been an interesting experience for me thus far. For me, it has its advantages and disadvantages. The advantages being that I am learning about a new software that I have never used before and can apply it with other future tasks. The downside being that I am having a hard time figuring out this software and how to get it started. I looked over the dreamweaver book and that actually confuses me more, so I went online to use tutorials which helped somewhat. But all in all, because there are so many steps, I am finding it a bit frustrating because getting it all started is hard.
I am willing to learn more about the software and viewing other resources in order design my curriculum project. I am definitely looking foward to seeing the final masterpiece because I know truly this project will be one where I will very proud of being that I have never used the software.
I am willing to learn more about the software and viewing other resources in order design my curriculum project. I am definitely looking foward to seeing the final masterpiece because I know truly this project will be one where I will very proud of being that I have never used the software.
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
Teacher Websites!
Here is a website created by a Middle School Science Teacher (http://www.middleschoolscience.com/). After reviewing the website, I found it very useful for teachers who are teaching at that grade level. The teacher who created the site covers a variety of topics such as lesson planning, newslinks, resources that other teachers would find very useful and may possibly implement into their own classrooms. What I found most appealing about this website was the fact that students could check what they had for homework if they happened to be absent, sick, etc. Parents would also enjoy this site because they would be able to view what their child has for homework and print out the handout needed along with other resources they may use to help their child. The teacher's idea of including her lesson plan book was a brilliant idea. Lesson plans that were taught to students on a variety of topics are accessible to those who are interested or are seeking information covering that area.
Despite the many good aspects of the site, I found that the site lacked any visual appeal or graphics. Other than that, I found that the teacher provided a great deal of information that other teachers would find great use in and can adapt to their own lesson plan ideas.
Despite the many good aspects of the site, I found that the site lacked any visual appeal or graphics. Other than that, I found that the teacher provided a great deal of information that other teachers would find great use in and can adapt to their own lesson plan ideas.
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
Video Games in the Classroom!
What do you think about the use of video games, both those that have natural ties to the curricular and those that are popular among students? Is there a place for them in your classroom?
When I think of video games, I think of how enjoyable it would be and interesting for students to take part in if it related to the course material being taught in class. I am a big fan of video games that relate to the curriculum and help enhance instruction because it would really keep students on their toes and interested throughout the whole process. I am a visual learner, so I know I'd be one of those students that would learn so much better through visuals and hands-on activities as opposed to plain text. There is always room for creativeness if teachers actually tried their best here and there to implement video games as part as center time or as a extra supporting tool. It can be used to review and reinforce material that's already taught.
On the other hand, I don't agree with the games that so many of our students love enjoying playing at home. Because I have witnessed students imitating the violent behavior or mimicking someone shooting a pistol. That behavior worries me because when students imitating that behavior they don't realize how unappropriate it is, especially if displayed in school. So, anything that promotes violence or what might have you, is completely unacceptable. I want my students coming into a learning classroom knowing that it is safe to be in without the worry of being bullied or harrassed by a student who may demonstrate that kind of behavior.
As long as games promote educational values and tie to the curriculum then I'd definitely use it!
When I think of video games, I think of how enjoyable it would be and interesting for students to take part in if it related to the course material being taught in class. I am a big fan of video games that relate to the curriculum and help enhance instruction because it would really keep students on their toes and interested throughout the whole process. I am a visual learner, so I know I'd be one of those students that would learn so much better through visuals and hands-on activities as opposed to plain text. There is always room for creativeness if teachers actually tried their best here and there to implement video games as part as center time or as a extra supporting tool. It can be used to review and reinforce material that's already taught.
On the other hand, I don't agree with the games that so many of our students love enjoying playing at home. Because I have witnessed students imitating the violent behavior or mimicking someone shooting a pistol. That behavior worries me because when students imitating that behavior they don't realize how unappropriate it is, especially if displayed in school. So, anything that promotes violence or what might have you, is completely unacceptable. I want my students coming into a learning classroom knowing that it is safe to be in without the worry of being bullied or harrassed by a student who may demonstrate that kind of behavior.
As long as games promote educational values and tie to the curriculum then I'd definitely use it!
Tuesday, October 2, 2007
Games in Your Classroom
In my teaching, I don't have any opportunities to share powerpoint games, let alone simulations with my students. At the school I work at, because we are constantly given and told what to teach, that leaves no time for creativity or just free time to spend time with students. I have had limited chances to work or create powerpoint games. I recall in my undegraduate years, I had to complete a powerpoint game. Also, in our IT 5120 we had to create a powerpoint presentation that would be considered a game, it involved questions about the life cycle of a butterfly, etc. So, that was pretty much all the experience I've had with powerpoint games.
If I were given the opportunity to use games in my classroom, I'd use them in a number of ways in my classroom. I'd use them to cover different subjects such as math, science, social studies, and literacy. My main reason of using games is not because they are a creative way to present information, but most importantly to reinforce material that was already presented. I'd have powerpoint games set up at a number of computers in the classroom and use them during center time, which would give each student an opportunity to engage in the activity.
When I think of educational games, I think of how they could enhance and stimulate my student's thinking and learning processes. Some teachers might think, "What would a student gain out of playing a game in class?" Does it benefit them at all? I've come across a number of teachers who have thought that and are not willing to accept that games can be educational and could very well benefit students who are more active and learn better with visuals. I feel it's a matter of presenting a variety of resources to your students and figuring out what works best for their learning styles. Having powerpoint games set up in your classroom would especially work for those students who lack the motivation and have a hard time grasping material during a certain subject. For example, a student who is having a hard understanding the different planets of the solar system during a science lesson could help him comprehend the characteristics of all nine planets, while being engaged in the activity itself.
The ways of using games in a classroom are endless. I believe that as long as they are put to good use and not overused, they can contribute to a student's way of learning class material and enhancing what they already know. It's up to teachers to do just that and keep the creativeness going.
If I were given the opportunity to use games in my classroom, I'd use them in a number of ways in my classroom. I'd use them to cover different subjects such as math, science, social studies, and literacy. My main reason of using games is not because they are a creative way to present information, but most importantly to reinforce material that was already presented. I'd have powerpoint games set up at a number of computers in the classroom and use them during center time, which would give each student an opportunity to engage in the activity.
When I think of educational games, I think of how they could enhance and stimulate my student's thinking and learning processes. Some teachers might think, "What would a student gain out of playing a game in class?" Does it benefit them at all? I've come across a number of teachers who have thought that and are not willing to accept that games can be educational and could very well benefit students who are more active and learn better with visuals. I feel it's a matter of presenting a variety of resources to your students and figuring out what works best for their learning styles. Having powerpoint games set up in your classroom would especially work for those students who lack the motivation and have a hard time grasping material during a certain subject. For example, a student who is having a hard understanding the different planets of the solar system during a science lesson could help him comprehend the characteristics of all nine planets, while being engaged in the activity itself.
The ways of using games in a classroom are endless. I believe that as long as they are put to good use and not overused, they can contribute to a student's way of learning class material and enhancing what they already know. It's up to teachers to do just that and keep the creativeness going.
Friday, September 21, 2007
Today's Students
After reading what the three authors said, I was able to relate some of their material to my students, while the other data had no relation to them at all. In reading Howe and Strauss’s article, his thoughts applied to my students in some ways. For example, in the article it describes how students performance and behavior can be improved through the use of programs, educational websites and much more. With my students, my fellow co-workers and I do the very same to improve the academic performance of our students through after school tutoring programs, educational sites, intervention support, and small reading groups. Also, when both authors speak of students being cooperative team players, rule followers, and accept authority, I quickly thought of my students. Though there will always a few students that will break these rules, a majority of my students fit the categories mentioned above.
On the other hand, there were comments in the article that did not describe my students at all. When Howe and Strauss spoke of children that of different ethnicities and cultures are more likely to face problems such as drugs and violence, I completely disagreed with that. About 95% of my students are of a different ethnicity and yes they do come from low-income families, but that does not mean that they are going to fall into the trap into problems such as that. With the right guidance and support, I believe those students will exceed most expectations that people set out their limitations to be.
In relation to Howe and Strauss, there is another author by the name of Marc Prensky who delivers information that describes and doesn’t relate to my students at all. Prensky describes students as being advanced in the technology world when it comes to computers, video games, and much more. That piece of information hardly describes my students at all. My students are nowhere near to being technology advanced because a majority of them don’t even own a pc at own. The closet thing they have to the Internet is the computer lab at school, which is only used one day a week for each class. My students are not “digital natives” as Prensky mentions in his articles. The only detail that was mentioned that describes my students is the fact that they love playing video games.
Aside from Howe & Strauss and Prensky, Thomas C. Reeves provided some great in depth information about today’s students. His piece described my students quite well. I believe my students behaviors and attitudes are also shaped by their past experiences and their family history. With that, those experiences mold the beliefs and behaviors that my students take part in. As a teacher, I constantly find myself encouraging my students to think positive and try their very best. When reading the paper, I didn’t come across any information that didn’t describe my students.
To sum it all up, I felt that Thomas C. Reeves did the best job of describing my students through a variety of categories when it came to self-esteem issues, the beliefs and behaviors, and the ethnically diverse student population that is out there. All those topics fit my students’ quite well. I enjoyed reading all three pieces. They all provided me with a great depth of knowledge about today’s students!
On the other hand, there were comments in the article that did not describe my students at all. When Howe and Strauss spoke of children that of different ethnicities and cultures are more likely to face problems such as drugs and violence, I completely disagreed with that. About 95% of my students are of a different ethnicity and yes they do come from low-income families, but that does not mean that they are going to fall into the trap into problems such as that. With the right guidance and support, I believe those students will exceed most expectations that people set out their limitations to be.
In relation to Howe and Strauss, there is another author by the name of Marc Prensky who delivers information that describes and doesn’t relate to my students at all. Prensky describes students as being advanced in the technology world when it comes to computers, video games, and much more. That piece of information hardly describes my students at all. My students are nowhere near to being technology advanced because a majority of them don’t even own a pc at own. The closet thing they have to the Internet is the computer lab at school, which is only used one day a week for each class. My students are not “digital natives” as Prensky mentions in his articles. The only detail that was mentioned that describes my students is the fact that they love playing video games.
Aside from Howe & Strauss and Prensky, Thomas C. Reeves provided some great in depth information about today’s students. His piece described my students quite well. I believe my students behaviors and attitudes are also shaped by their past experiences and their family history. With that, those experiences mold the beliefs and behaviors that my students take part in. As a teacher, I constantly find myself encouraging my students to think positive and try their very best. When reading the paper, I didn’t come across any information that didn’t describe my students.
To sum it all up, I felt that Thomas C. Reeves did the best job of describing my students through a variety of categories when it came to self-esteem issues, the beliefs and behaviors, and the ethnically diverse student population that is out there. All those topics fit my students’ quite well. I enjoyed reading all three pieces. They all provided me with a great depth of knowledge about today’s students!
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