Pedagogically Sound Science and Math Lesson Plans

By Wendy Maldonado

 

 

Geological Field Trip to the Grand Canyon

 

URL:  www-sci.lib.uci.edu/SEP/CTS/canyon.html

 

Level:  4-8 grade

 

Summary: Students will utilize the Internet to take a "virtual field trip" to the Grand Canyon to discover how it was formed, where all the rocks came from, and when it all happened.

 

Clear Objective

yes

 

Student Centered

yes

 

Incorporates Technology

yes

 

Promotes collaboration

yes

 

Uses Critical Thinking

yes

 

Authentic Assessment

yes

 

 

 

Rainforest Endangered Species Project

 

URL:  http://sun2.lib.uci.edu/SEP/CTS/Rforest.html

 

Level:  5-8 grade

 

Summary: Students will utilize the Internet to research a rainforest endangered species animal. They will prepare a formal research paper, a three dimensional model of their animal and an oral presentation which may include a Hyperstudio presentation or be videotaped.

 

 

Clear Objective

yes

 

Student Centered

yes

 

Incorporates Technology

yes

 

Promotes collaboration

yes

 

Uses Critical Thinking

yes

 

Authentic Assessment

yes

 

Cereal Box Problem

 

URL: www.mste.uiuc.edu/reese/cereal/intro.html

 

Level: 9-12, can be adapted 5-8

 

Summary:  Students complete a set of activities to determine how many boxes of cereal they would have to purchase in order to receive all six prizes.

 

Clear Objective

yes

 

Student Centered

yes

 

Incorporates Technology

yes

 

Promotes collaboration

 

no

Uses Critical Thinking

yes

 

Authentic Assessment

 

no

 

 

 

Are We Falling Apart?  Exploding Volcanoes

 

URL: http://www.thirteen.org/edonline/lessons/volcanoes/c.html

 

Level:  5-8 grade

 

Summary: This lesson will acquaint students with the characteristics and effects of volcanic activity. Students will use the Internet to research information on volcanoes.

 

Clear Objective

yes

 

Student Centered

yes

 

Incorporates Technology

yes

 

Promotes collaboration

yes

 

Uses Critical Thinking

yes

 

Authentic Assessment

 

no

 

 

 

 

 

Understanding Weather

 

URL:  http://school.discovery.com/lessonplans/programs/weather/index.html

 

Level: 6-8 grade

 

Summary:  Students will evaluate weather to learn about infrared rays and the greenhouse effect.

 

Clear Objective

yes

 

Student Centered

yes

 

Incorporates Technology

yes

 

Promotes collaboration

yes

 

Uses Critical Thinking

yes

 

Authentic Assessment

yes