Online Elementary Science Activity

Title of Activity: Phases of the Moon

Reference Section:

Science Alberta Foundation. (2002). Phases of the Moon. Retrieved Oct. 6, 2009, from http:<"http://wonderville.ca/v1/activities/phases/phases.html">

Grade Level: 6

Subject: Science

Brief Description of Activity:

Students will go to the website, follow along with the dialogue and then complete the activity set out on the site: http://wonderville.ca/v1/activities/phases/phases.html. They will define and demonstrate understanding of the 8 different phases of the moon. Once they are finished they can illustrate their knowledge through drawings and diagrams of the Sun, Earth, and Moon.

General Learner Outcome:

Students will: Observe, describe, and interpret the movement of objects in the sky; and identify pattern and order in these movements.

Specific Learner Outcome:

Students will: Recognize that the Moon’s phases are regular and predictable, and describe the cycle of its phases.

Illustrate the phases of the Moon in drawings and by using improvised models.

ICT Outcomes:

C.1.2.1 access and retrieve appropriate information from the Internet by using a specific search path or from given uniform resource locations (URLs)

C.2.2.1 seek responses to inquiries from various authorities through electronic media

C.6.2.1 select and use technology to assist in problem solving

Rationale for Computer Integration:

Computers have been integrated into this assignment to allow the students to interpret the topic from a different point of view. Instead of the instructor showing the different phases of the moon, the students can see for themselves through the interaction provided through the website. By exploring and answering the questions independently, the students can gain a better understanding and give evidence of that through their illustrations and diagrams.

Powerpoint Revamp

The five things I decided to change in the sample powerpoint were:

1) maintained an identical background for every slide to create a cohesive and streamlined presentation

2) font: large, bold font to improve legibility
used colour that complimented the slides and was easily read

3) included pictures to emphasize key points

4) simplified into bullet points to give a clear and concise visual presentation that complemented the narrative that would accompany it.

5) used more slides to categorize the topics being discussed, and labeled the topics with headers.

Here's where you can view it:

http://www.slideshare.net/allisonprange/presentations

thanks

Skype Hype

Hey, this is Allison. I'm currently in PSI in the education program at the University of Lethbridge. I already have a degree in Fine Arts with a major in Jewellery and Metals. I studied at the Alberta College of Art and Design in Calgary, Alberta. I thoroughly enjoyed my time at the college, and hope to use the skills that I learned to make my own line of jewellery. At the same time, I also want to share my passion for art with others. This is why I've decided to become a teacher.

As a teacher, I will have to keep up to date with the changing technology. I recently discovered the use of "skype" on my laptop. I basically only use it for live video chats with my friends and relatives. I'm grateful for the fact that I am a newly converted mac user, because I already have a webcam and mic built into my laptop. It's a great feeling to know that I can communicate with my friends from a long distance, and yet still feel like I'm close to them. Originally I was going to use skype for a meeting that I would be unable to attend (at least in person), but now I think I will use it for everyday conversations with those who are normally long-distance.