Lesson 1: Phase II

1. Instructional Decisions/Teaching (InTask Standard # 9):   
  

My lesson went well because I was able to bring new understanding of why Earth is the best planet to sustain life. Accomplishing this, I guided students through inquiry learning by researching Earth and other planets within our solar system. Students were then able to discuss their new findings and build upon that by watching a brain pop video based on Earth. The students were then able to apply their knowledge by creating a brochure and showing me the things that they learned and understood. Further explanations were given as to what I would have done in a real class setting as well as a blog reflection that would be completed at home. What didn’t go well during the implementation of my lesson was computer difficulties, I should have made sure beforehand that all the computers were on the PC mode rather than Apple. The software system that we used to create the brochures, Publisher was only downloaded on the PC. A lot of time was wasted trying to figure out why certain computers didn’t have this program. I should have also checked to see that Google Earth did not work, that was an important aspect to my lesson and we were unable to use it. I realized that I could have also talked about the modifications and adaptions that I would have made for students with limited abilities. Alignment to the objectives and standards were met and maintained as I was able to adequately meet the standards through the objectives that were taught. Modifications made during the implementation of the lesson were because of computer difficulties, I had to team a pair of students up to work on the brochure together. In a real setting this could be a real modification regarding ELL students or cognitively delayed students by pairing them up with a gifted student or a teacher’s aide. Also, instead of using Google Earth I had to modify the lesson by using research techniques where they were able to look up information on the internet. 

2. Mechanics:  
   

The technology that the students and I used were computers. This technology was used first by the students as they were able to research the Earth, Moon and Mars. In a real classroom setting I would have then used the computers and smartboard to show students how to further use Google Earth to explore the solar system. I was then able to use the computer to play a video for the students providing more information to them about the planet that they live on and why they are able to live on it. Moving on to our next activity where they were to create brochures based on planet Earth, I showed them a model of a brochure that I created. Students were then instructed to use the Publisher software system to create their own brochure. To conclude I explained that students would then as homework complete a reflection on their blog based on their new understandings of planet Earth. My lesson was within the correct time frame because I knew how much time I had and modifications were made during so that I was able to do so. However I definitely could have used more time and next time I know that I can’t fit everything in, otherwise it is rushed and the lesson becomes unclear.

3. Assessment of Learning (InTask Standard # 6): Refer to Assessing Student Learning

Based on my assessment I found it hard to distinguish my students level of success in achieving the standards and objectives for my lesson because of the lack of time. My students were unable to complete their brochures and with what they did finish did not exactly show the main objective points that I wanted them to include. However my formative assessment, the discussion I had with them before we created the brochures went well and I was able to get great feedback on what they learned and I felt that I was able to guide them in the right direction. Next time I would like to make it more clear that the purpose of the brochures was to create an enticing brochure based on why Earth is able to sustain life rather than random facts about the Earth. I am not sure where the miscommunication came from but I now know how explicit I need to be for the next time. Based on the comments I received from my classmates, I feel that this lesson was successful but could have been better based on small hiccups on my part. Feedback and comments were given based on Google Earth not working as well as computer problems with getting the software program, Publisher to pull up. My individual reflections are ones that I will take into consideration for the next lesson and I now know that all aspects of the lesson can not be included as well as double checking the technology that I am using for the lesson. 

4. What did you learn from designing and teaching this lesson and how will you use this in the creation of future lessons/learning activities.

I was able to learn a lot from designing and teaching this lesson, the most important aspect that I learned and took away from it was the integration of technology. Never before have I constructed a lesson with technology solely in mind and thinking of the variety ways that technology can be used. I learned that it is a great integration to support students in their learning and is a great tool to create differentiation amongst students. Next time that I am able to teach this lesson, I would like to use and integrate more of a variety of technology such as the Smart Board and the iPads. Overall I really liked my lesson and would be one that I would like to branch off of for future lessons. Creating this lesson has helped me for creating future lesson plans because I now know how to integrate technology as well as several tools and softwares that I can use to enhance students learning.