Teacher(s) Name: Mrs. Calder
School: Moody MS
Grade Level(s): Grade 8
Content Area(s): Physical Science
Lesson Summary
After learning about the electromagnetic spectrum and its applications on Earth and to study space, students were tasked to create their own satellite using Sketch-Up. As part of the research and inquiry process, students had the opportunity to Skype with a NASA scientist, Dr. Ann Martin, about current NASA technologies for studying space as well as ask questions about their satellite construction. After their experience with the expert, students chose a potential field of study, such as black holes or star formation, and implemented an appropriate wavelength on their satellite. In addition, students also named their satellite, explaining the meaning behind their name, and provided a timeline for the mission. The satellite and mission information was presented using ActivInspire Screen Recorder. Once students submitted their videos, the teacher embedded each into a WordPress blog, categorizing them based on the chosen field of study. The blog was sent out to faculty at Moody Middle School, parents, as well as Dr. Martin at NASA Langley for comments. In addition, Dr. Martin forwarded the blog to colleagues researching in these same fields of studies, who in turn provide feedback to the students. The scientists are located around the world, including Portugal and the Netherlands.
TIPC Ratings
Research & Information Fluency
Rating:Entry – Explanation: Students were provided information about the electromagnetic spectrum through notes. Students used provided websites from the teacher to research about their chosen space topic. Dr. Ann Martin from NASA Langley also provided information about celestial objects and what frequencies of lights would be used to study them based on the object’s energy. Students responded with their information through a Research document provided by the teacher through Google Docs.
Communication & Collaboration
Rating: Approaching – Explanation: Students worked in self-selected groups and divided responsibilities among their group members. Responsibilities included, but were not limited to, the research, Sketch-up design, video, and script for video. While working, students also collaborated with one another across groups to help accomplish the design in Sketch-Up due to the difficulties with using this software. Students used Google Docs as the primary collaboration tool for the project. Students were also able to virtually speak with a NASA scientist, Dr. Ann Martin, via Skype about their projects. Lastly, once the teacher loaded the videos to the WordPress blog, the address was sent out via email to the faculty at Moody Middle School as well as Dr. Martin. Dr. Martin then forwarded the the blog to her colleagues internationally to obtain comments for the students about their videos. Other staff members at Moody forwarded the blog to relatives who are also involved in the space industry, including SpaceX.
Critical Thinking & Problem Solving
Rating: Developing – Explanation: Students responded to teacher generated questions in order to develop their satellite missions. The questions went beyond basic recall, requiring them to synthesize researched information. Students applied Sketch-Up and the Internet to create their satellite mission.
Creativity & Innovation
Rating: Ideal – Explanation: The satellite project allowed the students to create a meaningful piece of original work. Students took risks by adding music and pictures to their screencast videos. In addition, some students chose to present their mission using a green screen. Through conversations, the teacher observed more students selected black holes as an area of interest. Students synthesized information gathered from Internet research as well as the Skype session with Dr. Martin to create a new idea which both met and went beyond the project parameters.
