Photosynthesis
Lesson 1
Context: This is the first of many lessons regarding photosynthesis. The students will be completing a lab report detailing the results of their experimentation as the culminating activity for this unit (Summative Assessment). This first lesson introduces the basics of the process of photosynthesis by beginning to identify key vocabulary. In addition, this lesson introduces writing a lab report through a jigsaw activity to create a collective classroom procedure for producing this report. Continue reading 'Planning Instruction for ELL/ESL Students'»
All Posts, ED 498: Methods for Teaching Multilingual Learners, Lesson Plans, Range of Reading (9-10), Standard #3: Learning Environments., Standard #5: Innovative Applications of Content., Standard #7: Planning for Instruction., Standard #8: Instructional Strategies., Standard 1: Content, Standard 5: General Skills of Teaching, Standard 6: Curriculum
Books Included
- The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks
- Invisible Frontiers: The race to synthesize a human gene
- A Wrinkle In Time
- The Tales of A Shaman’s Apprentice
- Survival of the Sickest
- The Making of the Fittest
- Physics of the Impossible
- Dr. Franklins Island
- Obsessive Genius: The Inner World of Marie Curie
- Uglies
- Gathering Blue
- Ender’s Game
- Divergent
- Feed
- The House of The Scorpion
- Galapagos
- The Freedom Maze
- The City of Ember
- Eva
- The Hunger Games
Continue reading 'Bibliography of Books for Teaching Science!'»
Novel Resource Guide
Our task in ED 420 this semester was to create a plan to teach a unit using a novel. Because my content area is science, I was hesitant to use a science fiction novel so I used the historical science book of The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot. By accessing the link, the viewer has access to all of the information necessary to teach a unit using the book, from discussion questions to in class activities, and assessments.
Craft and Structure (9-10), ED 420 Content Literacy, Integration of Knowledge and Ideas (9-10), Key Ideas and Details (9-10), Lesson Plans, Range of Reading (9-10), Standard #1: Learner Development., Standard #2: Learning Differences., Standard #5: Innovative Applications of Content., Standard #6: Assessment, Standard #7: Planning for Instruction., Standard #8: Instructional Strategies., Standard 2: Nature of Science, Standard 4: Issues, Standard 7: Science in the Community, Standard 8: Assessment
Hunger Games Unit Plan
Teacher: Shelbi Burnett
Grade: 8th
Subject: Middle School Science
| Stage One : Desired Results |
| Established Goals: Students will be able to draw from prior experience to identify how they have studied the world around them and gained factual knowledge (informally practice science). Students will learn to value the informal practice of science through observation and inference to inform their lives. Students will understand how the formal study of science is important to the advancement of society. Students will be able to explain how knowledge of science and technologies can be/have been used to oppress groups. Continue reading 'Teaching Science with A Novel: The Hunger Games'» |
This pages is the start of a compilations of videos and media tools to use as points of engagement for introducing difficult ideas in creative ways for students.
1. A rap of the Kreb Cycle
The citric acid cycle is a complicated jumble of enzymes, glucose, all ending with the production of energy in the mitochondria of aerobic organisms. This rap takes viewers through all the parts of the Kreb cycle in a parody of the popular rap song Thrift Shop originally produced by Mackelmore
http://io9.com/the-krebs-cycle-rapped-to-the-tune-of-macklemores-th-455748978
Reflection of my Teaching Experience
On December 6th, I had the opportunity to teach the lesson I had worked to design for Mr. Pitcock’s 7th grade science class. Because I had spent the entire semester observing this group, I had many ideas swirling around how I wanted to design the lesson, and what I wanted the students to take away from the experience. I had noted the lack of student focused instruction throughout the fall, and it was something by which I was troubled. I feel very strongly that science is a subject in which it is best to engage students with critical and authentic learning experiences where they can investigate and explore. So, in response to this, my first step, after discussing the topic of the lesson with Mr. P, was to design a classroom activity which would get students up out of their seats, and into a learning experience through which they could work together to investigate a topic for themselves.
Continue reading 'Teaching Experience & Reflection'»
All Posts, ED 327 Curriculum and Instructional Strategies for Middle Level Learners, Standard #10: Collaboration, Standard #3: Learning Environments., Standard #5: Innovative Applications of Content., Standard #6: Assessment, Standard #7: Planning for Instruction., Standard #8: Instructional Strategies., Standard #9: Reflection and Continuous Growth., Standard 3: Inquiry
| 
Reflection, Student Focus
This is resource file is a collection of developmental materials for first year middle and secondary education teachers built to assist them in shaping their instruction and curricular practice during their first years as professionals. In the first years teaching, it is critical for young teachers to build a sense of personal efficacy in the classroom–these resources might be a helpful place to start!
Start of School Resources
The start of the school year is a critical time for all new teachers. It is the time when you make your first impressions on the students and their parents, and the best time to set the expectations of your classroom for the rest of the year. These resources are all various tips, tools, tricks, and articles for helping teachers get the year started on the best note!
- This article is an interview with a new teacher and her thoughts on the first day as well as the future of education. The article describes her experiences as a first year
- http://www.thecherawchronicle.com/view/full_story/20129776/article-New-teachers-enter-classrooms-all-over-Chesterfield-County?instance=popular
- This article emphasizes the importance of establishing expectations within a classroom on the first day, as well as other important aspects to consider before embarking on your first day of school.
- http://www.scholastic.com/teachers/article/creating-great-first-impression-grades-6%C2%968
- This site gives tips for back to school for teachers. It includes classroom set up, prepping for the first week, classroom management, and working with parents.
- http://www.nea.org/tools/back-to-school-guide.html
- This website offers resources to help teachers stay organized including back to school checklists, decoration ideas, letters to parents, and ideas from real teachers.
- http://www.scholastic.com/teachers/article/get-smart-start
- This article from the NEA gives tips for classroom management for new teachers. Many teachers are nervous about going into new classroom and managing student behavior as well as the learning environment, but this article offers four areas to consider to establish an environment that promotes learning while being safe and structured.
- http://www.nea.org/tools/management-tips-for-new-teachers.html
Continue reading 'Resource File'»
All Posts, ED 327 Curriculum and Instructional Strategies for Middle Level Learners, Resources, Standard #5: Innovative Applications of Content., Standard #6: Assessment, Standard #7: Planning for Instruction., Standard #8: Instructional Strategies., Standard 3: Inquiry, Standard 6: Curriculum, Standard 7: Science in the Community, Standard 8: Assessment
| Resources
ED 327 Reflection 3
October 30, 2012
In the past 3 weeks, Mr. Pitcock’s class has been busy! They had fall break, went on a camping trip and moved from their study of Earth and rocks, to energy. Their end of unit projects about the rocks all turned out well, and I think for the most part, Mr. P. was happy with their work. But conversely, I think most of the students found minerals and rocks to be a bit boring and are excited about the jump to the study of energy. Continue reading 'Reflection of the Third 2 Weeks at Westlane'»
ED 327 Reflection 1
September 19, 2012
First Impressions…
Upon meeting Mr. Pitcock my interest was piqued! He explained he completed his undergraduate degree from Purdue University in elementary education, then after a few years of teaching returned to IUPUI to pursue a few more classes which would allow him the added licensure to teach at the middle school level. Continue reading 'Reflection of First 2 Weeks at Westlane Middle School'»
All Posts, ED 327 Curriculum and Instructional Strategies for Middle Level Learners, Shelbi, Standard #2: Learning Differences., Standard #3: Learning Environments., Standard #5: Innovative Applications of Content., Standard #7: Planning for Instruction., Standard #8: Instructional Strategies., Standard #9: Reflection and Continuous Growth., Standard 1: Content, Standard 3: Inquiry
| Classroom Management, Science Classroom, Student Focus
Literacy in science can also be promoted through critical discussion of the material. Science often requires students be able orally express what the text is saying or explain a process in words to a class or classmate. This in-turn also helps the student to come to a better understanding of the content area. Continue reading 'Discussion Strategies'»
Throughout Content Literacy, we discussed the need for Hooks and Closures. These are two integral parts of the lesson planning process which help students by creating continuity between lessons, objectives, and standards, and which also help instructors by informing them of where students are struggling with material. Listed below are examples of various types of Hooks and Closures to be used in lesson planning. Continue reading 'Hooks And Closures'»
All Posts, ED 228: Content Literacy, Resources, Standard #5: Innovative Applications of Content., Standard #6: Assessment, Standard #7: Planning for Instruction., Standard #8: Instructional Strategies., Standard 5: General Skills of Teaching, Standard 8: Assessment
| assessments, Closures, Hooks, Lesson Plan
As a future teacher, I hope to encourage my students to be creative and thoughtful individuals. However, this is an increasingly difficult task in the given world. This reading offers some unique insights in how teachers can help foster creativity in the classroom and get students thinking outside of the box!
Creativity Crisis
Pompt:
What is the theoretical purpose to providing extracurricular opportunities? What are benefits and costs associated with these opportunities? What kinds of needs are met through these experiences?
Continue reading 'After School Event'»
Prompt:
The purpose of this assignment is to have you re-enter a day in the life of adolescents carrying with you the knowledge you have now about developmental needs, school organization philosophy, and curriculum demands. You need to create a framing question so that you enter the shadow study with “something to look for” in regard to answering a question you have about student development or how schools meet/or fail to meet student needs. As you spend time with your student, consider what you did for the YA Book Reflection as a “practice” run. Identify the developmental characteristics of your student and address the following prompts:
- Using the developmental attributes domains, how would you describe this student?
- How does school life seem to fit into this student’s life?
- Based on your observation, how does this student’s engagement/disengagement manifest itself in the behaviors and actions of the student in different classes?
- What factors can you identify as contributing to the differences/commonalities in this student’s behavior over the course of the school day?
- This is a real student. In what ways are his/her needs being met or not?
- What have you learned from this experience?
Continue reading 'Shadow Study'»
Prompt:
Given your personality, leadership qualities, knowledge about adolescent students, and now your experience with teacher meetings, what personality trait(s) do you believe will be your greatest asset as a classroom teacher and colleague? What trait(s) do you believe may create issues as a middle or high school teacher and colleague? Continue reading 'Teacher Trait'»
Prompt:
Describe your mentor teacher’s style of classroom management and communication. Do you feel it is effective? What is it that gives you this impression? What aspect of your mentor teacher’s style would you include in your own classroom, and what aspect would you eliminate? Give a rationale. Watch your mentor teacher’s style of communication for 20-30 minutes: voice tone, facial expression, body language, hand gestures, eye contact, etc. How did the students react to the teacher’s style? Was there any particular aspect of the style that was more effective than another? What aspect of communication do you need to develop in order to assure student attentiveness?
Continue reading 'Role of Discipline in the Community'»
Prompt:
Considering what we have read in Vatterott, Wood and Van Hoose et. all about the philosophy of creating middle schools and high schools that reflect responsiveness to students’ developmental needs, think about your impressions of Shortridge’s attempts to live a student-centered philosophy. With a digital camera, document images of Shortridges “philosophy in action.” What does the image say about this school’s, teacher’s, club’s, etc. image of a learner? Provide 2-3 images and 2-3 counter images. For the reflection component, provide a caption explaining the context of each image. Then, provide a reflective rationale to address the prompt.
Continue reading 'Instructional Patterns and Strategies for Student Focused Schools'»
All Posts, ED 227: Introduction to Middle Secondary Education, Standard #1: Learner Development., Standard #2: Learning Differences., Standard #3: Learning Environments., Standard #4: Content Knowledge., Standard #5: Innovative Applications of Content., Standard #6: Assessment
| Classroom Management, learning environment, needs, Student Focus
Project Planning Sheet
Shelbi Burnett
Video Assignment
Goals:
Through this movie project we are attempting to tie together various ideas and topics from ED 245 into something relevant to our professional growth, teaching, and/or the students we will educate. This assignment will help us expand our knowledge of this particular media tool (iMovie or Windows Movie Maker) in addition to demonstrating its effectiveness in the classroom setting. With our movie we are demonstrating the importance of fair use and its relevance to students and education today. During our time in ED 245 and through discussions, we have realized we were not knowledgeable about the topic of fair use. This video could be an effective tool for representing the general lack of awareness around this topic as well as educating students about fair use in general.
Continue reading 'Video Assignment Project Planning'»
1. Facilitate and Inspire Student Learning and Creativity, 2. Design and Develop Digital-Age Learning Experiences and Assessments, 3. Model Digital-Age Work and Learning, 4. Promote and Model Digital Citizenship and Responsibility, 5. Engage in Professional Growth and Leadership, All Posts, ED 245: Intro Computers and Education, Standard #10: Collaboration, Standard #4: Content Knowledge., Standard #5: Innovative Applications of Content., Standard #7: Planning for Instruction., Standard #8: Instructional Strategies., Standard #9: Reflection and Continuous Growth.
| Digital Stories, iMovie, integration, Learning professionals, technology, Video Assignment
So, if you had a million dollars what would you do? Would you invest in developing skills? Would you research? Would you fix what you have? Or would you do nothing: give it all away?
The articles from this week are proposing an interesting question and it is up to all of us future teachers to decide what new frontiers we will break into during our future in education. Throughout this semester we have repeatedly identified that technology is an invaluable resource in the classroom (like having access to a million dollars). We have clarified there are infinite ways of incorporating it into curriculum and pedagogy, and it is clearly possible for all these things to take place: but will it happen? Continue reading 'What Will You Do With Your Million Dollars?'»
Prompt:
Technology Redesign in the Classroom.
Continue reading 'Redesign'»
2. Design and Develop Digital-Age Learning Experiences and Assessments, 3. Model Digital-Age Work and Learning, All Posts, ED 245: Intro Computers and Education, Standard #1: Learner Development., Standard #3: Learning Environments., Standard #5: Innovative Applications of Content., Standard #8: Instructional Strategies.
| computers, Dropbox, learning environment, Mindtools, supplement
Prompt:
We are focusing on our two media projects (photo and video montages) and expanding previous topics to now include the use of digital images and video. As such, consider how student use of digital images and video can allow them to meet learning goals and curriculum standards. What are the advantages of using video in the classroom? How can subjects, Math or your specialty area, best be learned using more visual technologies in concert with other digital technologies? What are the advantages to students producing their own “Digital Stories?” Which type of video project (according to Garetty and Schmidt) might your students be producing?
Continue reading 'Skeptical about Storytelling'»
2. Design and Develop Digital-Age Learning Experiences and Assessments, 3. Model Digital-Age Work and Learning, All Posts, ED 245: Intro Computers and Education, Standard #3: Learning Environments., Standard #5: Innovative Applications of Content., Standard #8: Instructional Strategies.
| Digital Stories, integration, learning environment, Learning professionals, supplement
Prompt:
“We often speak about computers in the classroom as if we and our audience have a common view of what they are and what function they serve. But the character of computers and their functionality have been very different at different points in time and…remain quite different for teachers of different subjects, teachers who teach students of different ages and backgrounds, and teachers who have characteristically different pedagogies” (Becker 2).
Becker’s research is one of the few large scale surveys that investigated what teachers are really doing with computers in the classroom. How does it compare with the data we discussed in class? How does the second research article (Addressing the NETS for students through constructivist technology use in K-12 classrooms) relate to Becker’s study? What factors/forces led teachers to use resources like computer technology to different extents and in different ways? Do you think teachers’ philosophies of education play a role in determining whether/how they will use computers?
Continue reading 'Computers in the classroom'»
Prompt:
Post your reactions to the action steps and recommendations outlined in the National Education Technology Plan. How parallel are the major stories from 2009 and the federal government’s position on the future of technology in schools?
Looking to the future, the 2010 Horizon Report identifies and describes emerging technologies likely to have a large impact on teaching, learning, or creative inquiry within the next five years. How does it compare with the NETP?
Continue reading 'National Education Technology Plan'»
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