Summary
The students have been studying the SOL 5.4 Matter. The students worked in groups to develop life-size super heroes who represent atoms, elements, molecules, compounds, mixtures, or solutions. The students used Comic Life to develop “word/thought” bubbles that defined their form of matter, provided real-world examples, and pictures of these examples. The students created five-minute presentations, which they shared with their second-grade audience at a partner Elementary School via Skype, and they provided some hands-on examples, as well. While viewing the presentations, the second graders completed rating forms that had been created using Google Docs. The second graders worked in pairs to complete the forms and were assigned specific groups to rate. The second grade teacher familiarized the students with the form prior to viewing the presentations. The second graders were provided with a Matter: Definitions & Examples Tip Sheet that served as a reference for them, while they completed the form. The fifth grade Matter Unit and the second grade Matter Unit took place at the same time.
TIPC Ratings
Developing:
The students worked together to locate and acquire information using lab notes, class notes and their textbooks. The students used Google Advanced Search to locate picture examples for their projects and any missing information that they needed.
Ideal:
The students worked together to determine the examples and pictures they would use for their projects. They utilized a range of digital tools to communicate their information. Students also communicated via Skype and completed a Google Docs rating form for assessment and reflection purposes. The second-grade partners had to collaborate as well, while using a digital tool to assess their assigned fifth-grade group.
This was the second time my students participated in a Skype lesson this year. The first time they used Skype to collect data from a second-grade class within our building in order to create bar graphs and line graphs. This Skype lesson enabled them to work on gathering and presenting information, while gaining feedback from other students. Following the success of this lesson, the partner teacher and I have decided that our classes will become Skype Buddies and will continue to present information to each other throughout the year to further strengthen our skills.
Approaching:
The students participated in a dress rehearsal performance and Skyped with the school’s librarian. They used her feedback to make adjustments to everything from their presentations to their visuals and demonstrations. The students worked independently in their groups, while I served as a technology coach and helped them identify the resources that would best assist them to complete the tasks. I also used this time to assess them on their critical thinking and problem solving skills that they were utilizing as they worked in their groups. At the end of the project, students completed a reflective sheet, using the second-grade feedback and their personal experiences.
Ideal:
The students synthesized their research in a unique Super Hero to reflect the matter focus for their projects as well as some type of visual or demonstration to take their product. Their presentations via Skype created a real-world audience and assessment beyond the classroom.
The second-grade students were studying matter in their classroom. The fifth graders’ presentations helped the second graders to gain new information and reinforce concepts they had studied in their classroom as they prepared for their own matter assessment, providing my students the authentic task of assisting the Partner Class with test preparations.
