Today’s science lesson is about matter and atoms....the building blocks of life. How can I make that relevant and interesting to students? How can I get them engaged in the topic and understand the concept? Bring social media into the mix!
How can you incorporate the objectives? I was looking for a project that would reinforce the differences in the information contained on the periodic table, while comparing and contrasting the names of the elements, their atomic number, chemical symbol, and location. With an essential question such as What do the many types of matter have in common? I then created targets that students could focus on. I wanted students to identify characteristics of an element, understand that elements are made of only one type of matter, and realize how elements are arranged on the periodic table.
Why use social media? Adolescents can easily relate to this web-based media as they quickly discover that it is an interactive, interesting, and convenient way to communicate. Tie that into a student project and you have success! The web site www.teachersdiscovery.com has tools that provide ways to implement such a project. There I discovered a blank “farce” book poster that I used as a template for the element project. By assigning students an element on the periodic table and providing a rubric as an assessment tool, they understood the outcomes and instantly were engaged in creating their own Element Farcebook Page.
What is the outcome? A final project could include general information relating to the element such as its symbol, atomic number, melting and boiling point, state of matter, year discovered and by whom, classification, and applications. Other important components students could incorporate would be illustrations that are connected to the element, correct spelling and grammar, and a final product that is neat, clean, colorful, creative, and readable. Using their imagination, students could add a personal touch to their project with an element website, element activities and friends, and an all about me section.
How can you enhance the project? As an extension, develop opportunities for students to create their Farcebook Page using software programs such as Publisher, Word, Pages, PowerPoint, or have them utilize google docs to design a document or presentation with their information. Other options also include creating a Farcebook Page about a famous author or historical figure as a project in Social Studies, Literacy, or Art class. Your options are limitless when you collaborate with your colleagues!
Success!! Everyday students continue to surprise me with their knowledge, creativity, and attention to detail on their final product. With effective instruction, straightforward directions, good role modeling, and a clear and concise rubric, student work will shine!!
media (n.) the main means of mass communication (especially television, radio, newspapers, and the Internet)
How can you incorporate the objectives? I was looking for a project that would reinforce the differences in the information contained on the periodic table, while comparing and contrasting the names of the elements, their atomic number, chemical symbol, and location. With an essential question such as What do the many types of matter have in common? I then created targets that students could focus on. I wanted students to identify characteristics of an element, understand that elements are made of only one type of matter, and realize how elements are arranged on the periodic table.
Why use social media? Adolescents can easily relate to this web-based media as they quickly discover that it is an interactive, interesting, and convenient way to communicate. Tie that into a student project and you have success! The web site www.teachersdiscovery.com has tools that provide ways to implement such a project. There I discovered a blank “farce” book poster that I used as a template for the element project. By assigning students an element on the periodic table and providing a rubric as an assessment tool, they understood the outcomes and instantly were engaged in creating their own Element Farcebook Page.
What is the outcome? A final project could include general information relating to the element such as its symbol, atomic number, melting and boiling point, state of matter, year discovered and by whom, classification, and applications. Other important components students could incorporate would be illustrations that are connected to the element, correct spelling and grammar, and a final product that is neat, clean, colorful, creative, and readable. Using their imagination, students could add a personal touch to their project with an element website, element activities and friends, and an all about me section.
How can you enhance the project? As an extension, develop opportunities for students to create their Farcebook Page using software programs such as Publisher, Word, Pages, PowerPoint, or have them utilize google docs to design a document or presentation with their information. Other options also include creating a Farcebook Page about a famous author or historical figure as a project in Social Studies, Literacy, or Art class. Your options are limitless when you collaborate with your colleagues!
Success!! Everyday students continue to surprise me with their knowledge, creativity, and attention to detail on their final product. With effective instruction, straightforward directions, good role modeling, and a clear and concise rubric, student work will shine!!
media (n.) the main means of mass communication (especially television, radio, newspapers, and the Internet)
