Web Awareness

Search the Internet Assignment

Title of Activity: Solar System Adventure

Reference Section:

University of Cambridge. (2004). Engineering Interact. Retrieved October 11, 2010, from   http://www.engineeringinteract.org/resources/astroadventure/astroadventurelink.htm

Kids Astronomy. (2010). Astronomy Crossword Puzzle. Retrieved October 11, 2010, from:   http://www.kidsastronomy.com/crossword.htm

You Tube. (2010). Size of the Universe. Retrieved October 11, 2010 from: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b0lxbzgwW7I&feature=related

Grade Level: 6

Subject: Topic C: Sky Science

Brief Description of Activity:

Students will watch as a group a video on the solar system then they will use the interactive website Astro Adventure to review the information in the video. This website will give them facts about the planets and the solar system as well as get them to use the information they have learned in an interactive role play. The website pretends they students are explorers on a space shuttle who have to complete various tasks throughout their journey through space.  Next, students will complete a crossword puzzle about the information they have learned from the Kids Astronomy page to review their knowledge.

General Learner Outcome:

• 6-7 Observe, describe and interpret the movement of objects in the sky; and identify pattern and order in these movements 

Specific Learner Outcomes:

• 9. Recognize that the other eight known planets, which revolve around the Sun, have characteristics and surface conditions that are different from earth; and identify examples of those differences.
• 11. Identify technologies and procedures by which knowledge, about planets and other objects in the night sky, has been gathered.
• 12. Understand that Earth, the Sun, and the Moon are part of a solar system that occupies only a tiny part of the known universe.

ICT Outcomes:

C.1.1.2  Process information from more than one source to retell what has been discovered

C.1.3.3  Access and operate multimedia applications and technologies from stand-alone and online sources

C.3.1.1 Compare and contrast information from similar types of electronic sources

C.7.1.3 Draw conclusions from organized information

C.7.3.2

Make connections among related, organized data, and assemble various pieces into a unified message

Rationale for Computer Integration:

The games and the interactive overview of the solar system will provide students with an interesting and unique approach to the material. Students are given the facts as well as an interactive visual representation of the solar system. Using the interactive information allows the students to able to access the information at their own pace and review when necessary.Working through the online crossword puzzle allows for students to work at their own pace, and to review the material they learnt earlier in the lesson. 

What is Effective Technology Integration for 21st Century Learners

Using technology effectively for 21st century learners is extremely important. Times are changing and technology is becoming an integral part of our every day lives. Therefore, it it critically important to start integrating technology into the classroom whenever it will be an effective learning tool. 

Heres the link to my (PPP) on Technology Integration for 21 Century Learners:

http://www.slideshare.net/rileylaird/what-is-effective-technology-integration-for-21st-century-5273680

5 features of effective presentations:

1. Slides should have clear concise information with not a lot of writing
2. Presentations should be visually pleasing and creative.
3. Use pictures in conjunction with text to help people learn
4. Use BIG text and clear colors to make it easy to read
5. K.I.S.S (Keep it simple stupid!) kept simple no glitzomania.

How my presentation fulfills those features:

- My presentation covers the facts, but is not all writing, it short points that can stand alone

- I have added themes and color to my presentation to make it appealing visually

- I have added pictures to demonstrate ideas and break up the text

- I have kept the text colors simple as well as a large font so it is easy to read

- There is no glitzomania, its to the point!

Blogging In Education

I think Blogging is a great addition to the classroom!! I am new to blogging myself but I can see the potential it has for the next generation to connect, interact, and explore their thoughts on various topics.

Times are changing and now almost every kid probably has some experience with computers and the internet, this new technology is something they relate well to. Therefore, it is only a natural progression that we should try to integrate that technology as much as we can into the classroom as it sparks interest in the younger generations. 

Using blogging for something like class discussion on current events allows for a different outlet for children’s knowledge and offers a medium that is current, appealing, and exciting for the kids. It mixes things up a bit!

I would like to try implementing this tool in my classroom as it adds a different dynamic to just regurgitating answers on paper or having repetitive classroom discussions structured around questions and answers. I think blogging allows for more of a flow of information, it can stream from one idea to the next and just keep growing. Essentially, allowing for more creativity and individuality in the children’s responses to the subject matter. It gives an opportunity to get to know the students on a more personal level because their opinions and thought processes are able to shine through. 

I am excited to become part of the blogging community!!

About me!!

Hi,
My name is Riley Laird, I am originally from Calgary, but I have lived all over the world. I spent 8 years in Indonesia, 1 year living in Switzerland, and have traveled to over 25 countries world wide. As you can probably guess I love to travel and hope to travel to South America next.
I have a degree in Geography from the University of Lethbridge, and am working towards my BEd. in Science Education. My major is Biology and I would like to pursue a specialization in Environmental/outdoor education.