Name of Lesson Plan: Circles of Light: The Mathematics of Rainbows
for use in Physics
Summary: Excellent color diagrams! I am intrigued by this lesson plan. I like the logical, progression of steps, taking the student from simple, understood concepts to a more complicated understanding of how rainbows are formed. It is very mathematical and really should be done in groups. I have found that collaboration helps when students are given complex tasks. I would add some physical activities to enhance the lesson. If I were to use this lesson, I would select portions of it, modify them, and add the physical activities. Great link to a source of comprehensive information about rainbows. This site, for good reason, has won numerous awards.
Components Reasoning Yes Some No 1. clear objectives, can do them? stated at the top X 2. cooperative learning? not stated, collaboration needed! X 3. active participation for all? due to complexity, everyone needed X 4. clear organization and steps? very clearly subdivided and numbered X 5. higher order thinking involved? math and concept questions high level X 6. real life application, connection? rainbows are real! X 7. enriched by technology? hyperlinked, one site outside, calculator X 8. mistakes considered as learning? no mention, "right" answers sought X 9. interesting, motivating to students? real, but complexity may lose some X 10. appropriate to grade level? for physics the use of units and equations that I use in
chemistry and physics. The lesson is fairly narrow in scope,
but would produce motivation in my students. I would use
this lesson plan.
Name of Lesson Plan: Visual Models of Solutions and Concentrations
for use in Chemistry
Summary: This is a nice little activity for illustrating what a solution is, a concept that is difficult for students to grasp. As a full lesson plan it has some weaknesses, such as ignoring technology and not connecting to other curricula. I would have appreciated a note about where the "glass or plastic spheres" could be purchased and what brand the author recommends. However, I will probably use this activity because of how well it seems to help students' understanding of solutions.
Components Reasoning Yes Some No 1. clear objectives, can do them? stated at the top X 2. cooperative learning? not stated, could be individual or pairs X 3. active participation for all? for a short time only X 4. clear organization and steps? great outline of plan, students: 5 steps X 5. higher order thinking involved? low activity , but applies to other cases X 6. real life application, connection? solutions are part of real life! X 7. enriched by technology? no use of technology at all X 8. mistakes considered as learning? not addressed, but it is a qualitative lab X 9. interesting, motivating to students? fun for the short term X 10. appropriate to grade level? classified as 9-12, but I would say 7-8 X the use of units and equations that I use in chemistry
and physics. The lesson is fairly narrow in scope, but would
produce motivation in my students. I would use this lesson
plan.
Name of Lesson Plan: Measuring Distances with Triangulation
for use in Physics
Summary: The lesson plan includes important vocabulary and teacher tips. Diagrams would have been very helpful to have diagrams. The students should be movitated by the construction; they may struggle with the math. I would make myself available the groups as they worked on the math in class. The lesson would benefit from greater use of technology, such links to web sites and use of a spreadsheet. I would use this lesson, but add the technology and diagrams.
Components Reasoning Yes Some No 1. clear objectives, can do them? stated on the front page X 2. cooperative learning? stated group size: 2-4 persons X 3. active participation for all? construction, use of measuring devices X 4. clear organization and steps? complex, but subdivided and detailed X 5. higher order thinking involved? trigonometry, problem solving (opt.) X 6. real life application, connection? used in construction and astronomy X 7. enriched by technology? scientific calculator needed X 8. mistakes considered as learning? not statd, seem to be "right" answers X 9. interesting, motivating to students? active construction, real life X 10. appropriate to grade level? somewhat challenging, OK for physics X 11. encourages reflection,his is nice little activity for
illustrating what a solution is, a concept that is difficult
for students to grasp. As a full lesson plan it has some
weaknesses, such as ignoring technology and not connecting
to other curricula. I would have appreciated a note of where
the "glass or plastic spheres" could be purchased and what
brand the author recommends. However, I will probably use
this activity because of how well it seems to help students'
understanding of solutions.
Name of Lesson Plan: The Eiffel Tower Project
for use in Physics
Components Reasoning Yes Some No 1. clear objectives, can do them? called "Problem and Challenge" (front) X 2. cooperative learning? groups research, measure, and build X 3. active participation for all? many innovations, much thought X 4. clear organization and steps? some steps confusing X 5. higher order thinking involved? best design from observing the Tower X 6. real life application, connection? the Tower and principles are real! X 7. enriched by technology? links to "7 Wonders," France X 8. mistakes considered as learning? not addressed X 9. interesting, motivating to students? students active, the Tower inspires awe X 10. appropriate to grade level? integral to physics in 2nd quarter X 11. encourages reflection, extension? not addressed X 12. cross-curricular applications? history, sociology X
Summary: This is a good lesson for describing strength of structure and stability. The lesson involves cooperation, measurement, and research into other cultures. Some weaknesses in the areas of using technology, clarity of steps (although the steps are organized, I could not visualize some of the instructions), and reflection.
Name of Lesson Plan: Indy 500
for use in Chemistry or Physics
Components Reasoning Yes Some No 1. clear objectives, can do them? stated at the top X 2. cooperative learning? 1 or 2 stated, 2 seems best X 3. active participation for all? many questions, much research X 4. clear organization and steps? a little confusing X 5. higher order thinking involved? deep questions from the calculations X 6. real life application, connection? from a real, annual event X 7. enriched by technology? uses Internet, search engines, calculator X 8. mistakes considered as learning? not addressed X 9. interesting, motivating to students? for boys, but gender research included X 10. appropriate to grade level? valuable for 1st quarter Chem, Physics X 11. encourages reflection, extension? listed at the end X 12. cross-curricular applications? math, physics, social studies X
Summary: This is a well-designed lesson plan incorporating the use of units and equations that I use in chemistry and physics. The lesson is fairly narrow in scope, but would produce motivation in my students. I would use this lesson plan.