Facts about Dinosaurs

Terri Moore
Science and L. A. /Second Grade

Links to Files Associated with This Lesson 
  1. Michael Chapple
  2. My Animal Report Form
  3. Taylor Muse

Content Area Objectives Addressed: 

Identifies animals that once lived on the Earth, but that are no longer living.

 

Writes sentences that have correctly spelled high-frequency words.

 

Writes sentences that show few significant errors in the formation of verb tenses and plurals.

 

Shows some attention to the use of ending punctuation.

 

Writes sentences that have few significant errors in capitalization. 

 

Technology Objectives Addressed:

 

Reinforce vocabulary.

 

Name and save a file.

 

Retrieve previous work.

 

Type simple sentences.

 

Use software to make a picture map.

 

Activity Description

 

            What was the process that your students went through to complete this lesson?

 

Each student went to the web site called www.enchantedlearning. com and picked a dinosaur to do a report.  Each student then printed off a fact sheet about his or her dinosaur.  Students then were guided on highlighting specific facts for the report.  Students proceeded to the lab and used Kidsperation.  Each student made a picture map using the specific facts highlighted on their fact sheets.  Students printed their picture maps and a copy of the writing page.  Students were instructed to save this information.  Students were instructed how to write sentences using the main facts on their writing pages.  The teacher edited their sentences and then the class returned to the lab and used Kidsperation to type their sentences correctly.  Students then printed their final work.  Their final work was graded using a rubric.  A copy of their final work was put together in a big book for the class to share.

 

 

How did you monitor student progress?

 

Teacher observation

 

Editing written work

 

Was there a template or an example that students were expected to follow?

 

            We used the writing page on Kidsperation for a template.

 

            How much time did you dedicate to this project?

 

                        Total:  12 hours  (4 weekly computer lab block times of 40 minutes each plus in the classroom having lessons and preparing to use Kidsperation) 

 

            How was the final product presented?

 

                        Students were able to share their reports orally and a copy of everyone’s work was put together in a big book for the whole class to share.

 

Who was the audience for the final product?

 

Parents

 

Peers

 

Learning Issues

 

What prior knowledge was required on the part of the students in order for them to be successful in this project? (include curriculum and technology knowledge)

 

Students had to practice using Kidsperation 3 times before we did the final project.   Students were taught a 1-week unit on Earth Long Ago.

 

Resource Management

 

            What was the student to computer ratio?

 

            One student per one computer

 

How did you schedule your students’ computer time?

 

I used our regularly scheduled computer lab times, which were every Tuesday from 1:00 to 1:40 p.m.  Then the week of the project I scheduled 2 extra times that the computer lab had open.

 

What was the location of the computers and other technology equipment used by students?

 

In the computer lab

 

           

 

How would you suggest beginning teachers obtain computer resources for their students? (Knowing some of your strategies would be valuable for our pre-service teachers.)

 

  Apply for grants and check out local businesses that will donate used equipment or new equipment.

 

Rate the level of access for students to use computers/other technologies as they needed  --high, medium, low

 

The level of access for students to use computers is high.

 

Rate the level of supervision required for students during the project, specifically for computer and other technology use –high, medium, low

 

The level of supervision required for students during the project was medium.

 

Materials

 

What hardware was required for your project?

 

Computers, projector, printer

 

           

 

What software was required for your project?

 

Kidsperation

 

Anything else?  No

 

Assessment

 

            What kind of assessment did you use for this project? (Include a copy if you can.)

 

I used a rubric.

 

What categories did you assess? (I.e.:  content, screen design, depth/breadth, etc.)

 

I assessed content and quality of writing.  

 

Other

 

How does the product that you submitted compare with other students’ products for this same project?

 

The product I submitted is about average.  I was very picky about their capitals, periods, and spelling.  There are some students whose work is at a higher level and some are a lower level of quality. 

 

            What did you like best about this project?

 

            I liked using Kidspiration to show students picture mapping.  We have made story maps and vocabulary maps.  This was another way for students to see and use their mapping skills.  Plus Kidsperation made us a great template for writing our sentences.  

 

            What did the students like best about this project?

 

            My students enjoyed every step.  When we did our 1-week unit about Earth Long Ago my students could regurgitate all the info they had learned from this project. 

 

            Rank the level of student involvement in this project –high, medium, low

 

            Student involvement was high on this project.

 

            Rank the level of student interest in this project –high, medium, low

 

            The student interest was high on this project.

 

            Would you teach this lesson again?   Yes