The goal of using technology in the classroom is to transform student learning. Much of what schools are attempting to implement into the classroom is technology capable of modifying the way students learn, but is stunted by administration lock-down, teacher incapability, or unwillingness. What I hope to do is use technology, especially things that are easily accessible, the computers already in the classroom, the projector, a laptop to skype with, etc. As we are reflecting and thinking through the way we can implement technology in the classroom, my hope is to continue to push that envelope.
In a fourth grade classroom, one of the Next Generation Science Standards is:
| 4-ESS3-1. | Obtain and combine information to describe that energy and fuels are derived from natural resources and their uses affect the environment. [Clarification Statement: Examples of renewable energy resources could include wind energy, water behind dams, and sunlight; non-renewable energy resources are fossil fuels and fissile materials. Examples of environmental effects could include loss of habitat due to dams, loss of habitat due to surface mining, and air pollution from burning of fossil fuels.] |
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What an amazing opportunity to learn from each other and contact experts in the areas my students will be researching. So many local resources as well! My thinking is this:
Divide students up into several groups:
- Wind energy
- Hydroelectricity
- Solar Power
- Fossil Fuels
- Nuclear Power/Fissile Materials
Their goal, as a collaborative group, will be to provide positives and negatives for using their energy source to power the city of Spokane, and the effects on the environment as a result. I will connect each group with an expert (local if possible) and each group will interview their expert via skype, google hangout, phone, etc. At the end of the project, each group will present their energy resource project with the class!
This redefines the way students will learn about energy resources. Students will begin to find out why there are hesitations for the city of Spokane to be powered fully by one non-renewable resource. They will learn the limitations each resource has, and it will all be within the standard the state wants to see. Instead of reading and watching videos about the impact of non-renewable energy sources, students will be able to see the difficulties, experience the frustrations, and peer into the politics that surround the issue in the real world. That transforms a student's learning experience because of how technology can be utilized in the classroom.
This is an amazing lesson plan idea, I love it and I think the kids would love it too! I really appreciate that you addressed a state standard and showed how you can use innovative technology to meet that standard. I think that's one thing I'm still trying to wrap my brain around - how to do all this awesome stuff while still teaching high school English (in my case) - but this is a perfect example of the ways the two actually connect together relatively easily. This lesson is practical, interesting, and engaging. Great ideas!
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