Teacher(s) Name: Mr. Gentry
School: Hungary Creek MS
Grade Level(s): Grade 8
Content Area(s): Health & PE
Lesson Summary
I developed a unit for my 8th grade students in regards to alcohol and underage drinking. My main point for this unit was to educate my students on the growing issue of underage drinking, which also involves driving. Most of my 8th grade students will be behind the wheel of an automobile in two years and I felt like it was important for me to inform them on the importance of knowing when to say “NO” to alcohol. Instead of testing my students on the alcohol unit, I wanted to give them the opportunity to share what they learned with each other by creating a commercial or ad about drinking and driving (or underage drinking). I had Mr. Mike Dunavant come speak to my classes and give them a few options on how to be creative with their submissions and entries. The assignment was a huge success! The students were creative with their ideas and filmed some excellent and informative videos/movies. I submitted one entry (which I thought was the best) to Student 21, in hopes that the three students will be recognized for their hard work.
TIPC Ratings
Research & Information Fluency
Rating:Approaching – Explanation: My students were given a rubric and asked to choose from eight different topics in regards to underage drinking/driving. In order to receive the maximum amount of points, each group was to do their own research on the topic that they picked to do their project on. The information and powerpoints that I gave to class could be used during their presentations, but they were responsible for finding two more articles, websites, journal entries, books, etc., that they pulled information from. Each group had to cite where they information was received from and make sure it was a recent entry.
Communication & Collaboration
Rating: Ideal – Explanation: Students were given time in class to collaborate with their groups, but were given certain time frames. By only giving a certain amount of time to get together during class, my students maximize their meetings. I laid out guidelines from day one about setting roles within their groups and assigning which student would be doing what — in regards to their presentations. By setting the guidelines early, this allowed my students to quickly engage in conversation and assign roles, so that they were able to get into research and collaborate ideas on filming and editing.
Critical Thinking & Problem Solving
Rating: Approaching – Explanation: Students applied digital tools to think critically and solve open-ended authentic tasks that require higher order thinking skills to create commercials educating the public against drinking and driving. Students justified-decision making and/or problem solving practices through their planning and creation of their commercials.
Creativity & Innovation
Rating: Ideal – Explanation: Students synthesized and self-generated knowledge to create new ideas and products within and beyond the assignment parameters by creating commercials educating the public about drinking and driving. Some students took strategic risks by used green-screen effects and toys to simulate driving, using Minecraft to create simulations, and video editing on apps beyond the choices given by the assignment. Students created meaningful and original work within and beyond the assignment parameters.
Student Artifact
Lesson Materials
