Characteristic of Learning: Active

Level of Technology Infusion Into the Curriculum: Infusion

Lesson Title: Space, the Final Frontier

Space, the Final Frontier

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Grade Level: 5 (or 7)

Classroom Configuration

Whole group activity, with small groups using mobile laptops simultaneously, or

Small group using handheld devices and voice recorder

Arizona State Content Standards

Science: (Below are the 5th grade standards. This lesson also aligns to the 7th grade Strand 6 concept 3 standards)

  • Strand 6: Earth and Space Science
    • Concept 3: Earth in the Solar System
      • PO 1: Identify the known planets of the solar system.
      • PO 2: Describe the distinguishing characteristics of the known planets in the solar system.
      • PO 3: Describe various objects in the sky.
      • PO 4: Describe the change in position and motion of the following objects in the sky over time.
      • PO 5: Explain the apparent motion of the sun and the stars.
      • PO 6: Describe efforts to explore space (e.g., Apollo missions, space shuttles, Hubble space telescope, space probes).

    Arizona Common Core Standards: ELA

Research to Build and Present Knowledge

5.W.7

Conduct short research projects that use several sources to build knowledge through investigation of different aspects of a topic.

5.W.8

Recall relevant information from experiences or gather relevant information from print and digital sources; summarize or paraphrase information in notes and finished work, and provide a list of sources.

Presentation of Knowledge and Ideas

5.SL.4

Report on a topic or text or present an opinion, sequencing ideas logically and using appropriate facts and relevant, descriptive details to support main ideas or themes; speak clearly at an understandable pace.

5.SL.6

Adapt speech to a variety of contexts and tasks, using formal English when appropriate to task and situation.

Arizona Educational Technology Standards (2009)

  • Strand 3: Research and Information Literacy
    • Concept 2: Processing
      • PO 4: Use appropriate digital tools to synthesize research information and develop new ideas.
  • Strand 4: Critical Thinking, Problem Solving, Decision Making
    • Concept 1: Investigation
      • PO 1: Write essential questions to investigate a topic or issue using digital tools and resources.
    • Concept 2: Exploring Solutions
      • PPO 1: Plan and manage research using credible digital resources to develop solutions to answer a question.
      • PO 2: Generate solutions from different perspectives using collected resources and data.
  • Strand 6: Technology Operations and Concepts
    • Concept 2: Application
      • PO 5: Create multimedia presentations with multiple pages, audio, and transitions for individual assignments.

Objectives

  • Students will research and apply their knowledge of Planets & Space, to create a podcast about Space and a planet.
  • Students will use audio editing software to build and publish the final audio file.

Procedure

The students will:

  • Be divided into groups.
  • Brainstorm essential questions to investigate during research, with guidance from teacher.

Groups will:

    • Identify the key areas of focus for their presentation.
    • Write a script based on their synthesis of key areas of focus.
      • Criteria for script:
        • Must be creative as outlined in rubric
        • Must incorporate a minimum of 10 facts from the research
        • Must include all members of the group (as in all members of group have a "part")
    • Record their podcast using the audio recording collecting with a voice recorder, on a handheld device, OR recording straight into the computer using a headset microphone or a USB microphone.
    • Edit the podcast complete with an introduction and a conclusion.
    • Post the audio file on iTunes U, if possible, or another classroom accessible website.

Materials

Assessment

Teachers can assess the process using a rubric and a group self-assessment tool created through Rubistar.(http://rubistar.4teachers.org/)

Teachers can assess the projects using a rubric created through Rubistar (http://rubistar.4teachers.org/)

Alternative assignment options:

  • Groups research a series of planets
  • A space topic such as position and motion
  • Asteroids and Comets
  • Space as a whole
  • Space Travel

Technology Integration Matrix

Active

Collaborative

Constructive

Authentic

Goal Directed