S.T.E.A.M. Restoration
Purpose of Lesson-After reading the Horizon Report (https://cdn.nmc.org/media/2017-nmc-cosn-horizon-report-k12-EN.pdf) and exploring new ways to use technology in the classroom, I have applied what I have learned to make an original lesson plan to be used in the classroom. I have properly integrated the SAMR Model (see below) to make sure I have all of the technology tools needed for my lesson.
Description of artifact- This lesson was inspired by an article located in the Horizon Report. The article is called Don't let innovation agenda run out of STEAM (https://www.smh.com.au/technology/dont-let-innovation-agenda-run-out-of-steam-20161026-gsaojj.html). The description of this lesson is to have students understand what types of projects can be restored back to their natural condition, why it should be done and how it is done. This lesson is followed by a sand dune restoration project. The lesson will involve several technology tools used to share ideas, research, connect with the outside world, and ultimately discover how and why it is important to restore something back to its natural state. Students will understand the importance of STEAM and how it is used in a variety of jobs and how it connects to nature.
Dahlstrom et al. state in the Horizon Report (2017), "Fostering Authentic Learning Project-based learning, challenge-based learning, and competency-based learning — all of these pedagogical trends are in service of creating richer and more hands-on, real-world experiences for students." (p. 12)
Overview: Prior to this lesson, students participated in a local Sand Dune Restoration Project to help protect their local sand dunes. The purpose of the sand dune project was to understand the importance sand dunes have on the ecology of the coastal environment. The Coastal Ecosystems Specialist with the NH Sea Grant came in and presented information on sand dunes and explained the Sand Dune Restoration Project. The students then participated in restoring their local sand dunes by planting seagrass in the dunes with the guidance of the NH Sea Grant team.
Description: Now that the students have restored the local sand dunes back to their natural state, it is time for the students to make connections to what else can be restored back to its natural state. They will also discover the importance of restoration. The purpose of this lesson is to have students understand what else in the world can be restored back to its natural condition, why it should be done and how it is done.
What learned- I have learned how to have students share ideas with each other using technology tools such as Flipgrid ( https://flipgrid.com/). I have also learned that instead of just researching a topic, students can actually connect with experts in the field using technology tools. I have also learned that it is important to offer students a variety of technology tools to choose from when designing a project. This way, differentiation is integrated into the lesson so all student needs are met.
This artifact might be used in a future classroom by using technology tools to make more connections to the outside world. Restoration Projects are happening all over the world. Students can visit restoration projects happening either asynchronously or synchronously. They can follow restoration projects and check in daily using technology tools. This way, they can see progress as it happens from far away. This, in turn, will make them feel more connected to their project and understand the intricacies of restoration.
S.T.E.A.M. Restoration Lesson
Annotation: 2.1
AECT 2.1 (Content Pedagogy) Creating: Candidates apply content pedagogy to create appropriate applications of processes and technologies to improve learning and performance outcomes.
Creating -I have created a lesson plan following the technology trends from the SAMR Model and the Horizon Report. I have integrated several technology tools to enhance and differentiate learning. By using a variety of technology tools such as RSS Aggregators, Skype, Flipgrids and text-to-speech tools, I am improving learning outcomes for all students.
Using - A variety of technology tools (such as Skype, Anchor, and Screencastify) are integrated into this lesson plan throughout the learning process to enhance the learning experience.
Assessing/Evaluating -By reading the Horizon Report and studying the SAMR Model, I have integrated the appropriate technology tools and assessed the implementation of the tools to be adequate and appropriate for the lesson.
Managing -When using the selected tools for the lesson, students will be managed on how to use these tools effectively. A variety of tools will be offered to create flexible and diverse learning environments, and develop and demonstrate appropriate content pedagogy. For example, students may use a presentation tool of their choice when designing their final product to share.
Ethics -All technology and research tools selected for this lesson are appropriate and diverse to meet the needs of all learners in our community.