11/20/08

Today's class period was a work day. The period started off with an explanation of what is expected of our final project. To begin, our final project focuses on measurement. We went through a run down of what is expected from the final project along with a quick glance through the grading rubric. Next, we broke into groups of four, and each group was assigned a grade level from k-8. The goal of this project is to connect information over measurement throughout the k-8 grade levels. For example, our group chose to focus on measurement in the 2nd grade. In order to develop a lesson plan for our grade level, we had to meet with the first grade group in order to find out what they are focusing their lesson on, so we can build on information the students will learn from first grade into the second grade. We also had to meet with the third grade group in order to explain to them the focus of our unit so they are able to build on the concepts the students will learn in second grade. This process goes on and on until the 8th grade. After establishing this information, my partner and I found a science standard that we felt we could incorporate measurement into. We then developed a lesson over the standard. The lesson focuses on have students first plant various types of plants. The students would then predict how tall they believe the plants would grow. Next, the students would both measure and photograph the plants as they grow. They would then create a chart out of the data that they will collect. The rest of the lesson is in the works. However, we feel we developed a solid foundation. Overall, today's class period was very successful.