Summary
Students created a timeline of all major geologic and biologic events beginning with the formation of the Earth and ending with present time. Using online sites Dipity and www.mural.ly to prepare for the project, students researched key events relating to the history of the earth in order to build an interactive timeline. Students researched and created a description, picture and video clip pertaining to each event on the timeline, then formed groups for comparing their timelines and worked out discrepancies to establish basic branching of events. This was followed by collaboration in building an online phylogenic tree using Mural.ly, a discussion/group work site. Upon completion of their group phylogenic trees, students reflected on the parts of the project by holding in-class discussions, as well as, blogging about the assignment. Students were encouraged to share great ideas, what they learned and what they enjoyed about the project, as well as any problems they experienced or solutions they discovered while using this technology. Students shared their timelines to the class by linking their individual URL’s to the class blog page.
TIPC Ratings
Approaching — During the transition from Step 1 to Step 2, students are choose from a list of events, they decided what they wanted to include in their phylogenic tree. Then find pictures of the events and determine where to best place the event on the phylogenic tree.
Students then discuss their individual research findings with their group to edit the events as accepted by their group.
Approaching — Students used Mural.ly as a method of interacting with their group in/out of the classroom.
Student held class discussions about their research to decide what they wanted to include in the phylogenetic tree. Students were encouraged to brainstorm first and figure out their group norms for working in the Mural.ly during the lesson.
Ideal/Target — Students had to explore a website unfamiliar to them.
Students had to determine the chronological order of events and the relationship between any events (if any) that may have led to evolution
Ideal/Target — Students reflected on their experience stating positive and/or negative issues they encountered in the project using a blog.
Student Artifact
See lesson plan for all artifacts.
Download Files
Contents:
- LESSON
- HANDOUTS
- RUBRIC
- STUDENT ARTIFACTS
- LINKS TO BLOG POSTS
