Interactive Learning

Lesson Outline

Student Sample Projects

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Building Resources : Michigan !!!

Overview:

The lesson is designed to link the eighth grade earth science curriculum with the resources available at Henry Ford Museum. There are a variety of topics for the students to choose to research. The students work in pairs or groups of three. The students will research using the library, Internet, Henry Ford Museum curator, and Encarta. The students will create a multi-media presentation on their topics. Their final project will be viewed as a PowerPoint presentation. The PowerPoint presentation can contain 10 to 20 slides. A scanner may be used to help enhance the presentations.

The length of this project is flexible. The project will take approximately 4 to6 weeks. The amount of time available in the computer lab is the most important. The students will need several days in the computer lab for Internet research. The students will also need a fair amount of time in the computer lab to create and polish their PowerPoint presentation. Depending on class size allow 2-3 days to view each presentation as a class. At least one day should be scheduled for a two-way distance learning experience for the students with the Henry Ford Museum curator. The students will need classroom time, pre and post, for the distance learning experience to both prepare and reflect.

Materials and Resources:

Essential Optional

Computer Lab E-mail

Henry Ford Museum Curator Scanner

PowerPoint Program Internet

Library Encarta

Computer disk Field Trip to H.F.M.

Video Camera/Digital Camera

Satellite

Possible Topics:

Building resources unique to Michigan:

cement

concrete

bricks

wood

minerals

The Teaching Process:

Teaching Responsibilities

Pre-Project:

1. Organize students in pairs or groups of three depending on class size.

2. Prepare a list of possible student topics that blend with the curriculum and resources available at Henry Ford Museum.

3. Visit Henry Ford Museum (Optional)

4. Contact a curator from the museum.

5. Prepare a mini-PowerPoint presentation as a sample for students.

During Project:

1. Schedule all computer lab hours.

2. Teach students how to use the Internet and PowerPoint program.

3. Monitor student progress.

4. Have students evaluate and record their own progress.

5. Open lines of communication with museum.

Post-Project:

1. Assessment of student PowerPoint presentations.

a. Teacher Evaluation

b. Peer Evaluation

c. Self Evaluation

2. Teacher/Self evaluation of length and success of project.

Implementation:

1.Give students an overview of the project.

2. Present a sample of a final PowerPoint project.

3. Encourage students in their research and require daily computer outcomes. Student productivity and quality of computer time is essential.

For example: A list of at least 5 possible research Website addresses per computer lab experience.

4. Schedule a two-way interactive session with a museum curator and students.

5. Have students prepare questions for curator.

6. Coordinate interactive session with student group leaders prepare to speak and ask questions on their topic.

7. Set limits and requirements for PowerPoint presentation.

For example: A 9-12 slide presentation

1 Title slide

1 Introduction slide

5-7 Research Material slides (Body of Report)

1 Conclusion slide

1 Bibliography slide

8. Content of Presentation

a. Title slide: title of project, participants, school name

b. Introduction slide: a paragraph or bullet points on the specific resource, products, or materials.

c. Body of Report: include the building resource and influence on state, time period of these influences, significant historical relevance, significant historical persons, significant historical artifacts. This may be presented by text, graphics, charts, and clip art.

d. Conclusion: summarize the findings and discoveries in the presentation.

e. Bibliography: Credit all sources appropriately including the Internet sources.

*** Certain graphics or PowerPoint enhancements may be part of your requirements.***

9. Continually monitor the progress of the individual students with their research and success with PowerPoint.

10. Schedule time to view and assess presentations. Each presentation will last approximately 3-5 minutes.

11. Evaluation

Student and Self-evaluation:

For example: Student enjoyment, value of lesson, ease of multi- media, quality of presentations, possible changes, and areas of improvement.

Assessment:

Teacher and Student Assessment

1. Daily assessment of computer lab productivity through observation or daily checklists.

2. Final assessment of PowerPoint presentation including:

a. Content of presentation (How thorough is the research?)

b. Following Directions and Ability to work well as a group.

c. Graphics, Transitions, Sounds of PowerPoint presentation.

d. Use of a scanner or digital images may a requirement.

3. Daily grades will be individual - final grade will be a group grade.

4. Peer and Self-Assessment, including the following criteria:

a. Presentation (Speaker)

b. Use of pictures, graphs, clipArt, etc.

c. Content

d. Organization (flow of presentation)

Conclusion:

Additional Tips

1. Learn and Master the PowerPoint program.

2. Build a relationship with technology person in building.

3. Give each student in groups a specific responsibility.

For example: A group leader, an Internet Researcher, a PowerPoint Designer.

4. Establish lines of communication with the Henry Ford Museum.

5. Videotape field trip or use a digital camera.

****This format of presentation/report will be useful with various curriculum areas.***

Supplemental Lessons

Additional assignment

1. Outline assignments

2. Internet quizzes

3. Project: To go out into the community and find these building materials and ask questions about the buildings origin.