Erinn+Blasco

=Erinn Blasco=


 * Unit Plan Assignment: Problem-Based Learning Lesson **


 * The grade level and subject area addressed: **

This lesson is to be completed with my 7 6th grade learning support math students as an end of the year project.


 * A brief description of the lesson: **

In this lesson the students will be working together to find an organization that is collecting school supplies or other items for students that are in need. The students will use the Internet to locate an organization and then vote as a group on which one they would like to help. The students will then be broken up into 2 groups of 2 and one group of 3. Each group will create a list of items that they would like to donate to the organization with the $50 that we are given by the school. After they have created a list they will use the Internet to compare which stores they can get the most for their money. They will be working with adding and subtracting money, calculating cost per item, and working to create a comprehensive list of where I should gather the items. When all the groups have created their lists and have tallied their totals they will present their ideas to the class. They may present their ideas in any of the following forms: a podcast, PowerPoint, or iMovie. They will need to have pictures of the items that they would like to get the organization along with reasons why they think that the item is important to those students receiving it.


 * The learning outcomes: **

Through this lesson I would like my students to learn the following;


 * Students will be able to correctly calculate the price per item when given a quantity 4 out of 5 times.
 * Students will be able to keep a correct calculation of items up to $50 given a calculator and worksheet.

Along with the given objectives I would also want my students to learn that there are students in the world that are less fortunate then us and when given the opportunity to help others it can be very rewarding.


 * The skills: **

In order for my students to complete this project they will need the basic skills of adding and subtracting decimal numbers and the skill of dividing decimals. These are both skills that my students have recently been working on in their math class. Along with mathematical skills the students will also need the ability to navigate the Internet and to read resources for pertinent information. Through this project they will be using the following content areas; language arts, social studies, and mathematics.


 * The content area objectives/standards: **


 * 2.1.7.A. Model and compare values of integers, mixed numbers, fractions, and decimals.
 * 2.2.7.B. Add, subtract, multiply, and divide whole numbers, decimals, fractions, mixed numbers, or integers.
 * The steps of the lesson: **
 * The steps of the lesson: **

The problem for this lesson is simple; given $50, how can we as a class help other students that are in need? This problem is relevant to my students because they will be working to help others in need.


 * __ Steps __** :
 * Students will research different programs in the area and determine which they would like to work with to help other students in need.
 * Next, I will scaffold how to read the websites to determine what is needed by the programs.
 * The students will work to create a list of things that they would like to donate as a group. When they have brainstormed 10 items they will check with me for correctness.
 * After checking with the teacher they will work on completing a graphic organizer that will help them determine which store will give them the best price on their supplies.
 * Last, students will determine which store they would like to use for each item and create a presentation for the rest of the class on why they choose their program and what they would like to donate along with why it is important for those getting the donations.


 * How technology is used: **

My students will be using the Internet to search through:
 * A program to use for donations
 * A list of things that they would like donate
 * A presentation for the other students in the class about why their list and program is the best


 * How the lesson is customize for diverse learners: **

This lesson is completed with my 6th grade learning support class therefore the entire lesson is designed for diverse learners. Throughout the lesson the students will be using cloze notes, rubrics, scaffolded learning and modeling from the teacher. The students will also be working in groups so that they can help each other with their experiences and understandings.


 * How learning is going to be assessed: **

The learning goals will be assessed through the use of a rubric to grade their presentation, participation in their group, along with their final product. There will also be anecdotal notes during the group time to observe the students. I will also have individual meetings with each of the students after the lesson is complete to discuss their work during the lesson.

Erinn,

I really like this lesson because it not only covers content that you need to cover, but it also teaches some of the 21st century skills that we want our students to learn. In addition, it teaches students to be outstanding members of their communities by teaching them how to give back to those in need, and familiarizing them with organizations that do the same. Maybe you could coordinate with other classes in your school to do the same type of project with others, or find other types of service projects that you could do in the future in your own classroom.

Thanks, Bryan


 * Online Collaboration Lesson **


 * The grade level and subject area addressed: **

This lesson is to be completed with my 7 6th grade learning support math students as an end of the year project.


 * A brief description of the lesson: **

In the previous lesson for this unit, the students worked together to find an organization that is collecting school supplies or other items for students that are in need. When the students determined the organization they wanted to help they then worked together to compiles lists of the supplies that they would like to get and then determined which store would be the best place to purchase the items. In this lesson, the students are going to get a chance to talk to some of the people that they have helped and those that work together to make the program happen. They will be working in small groups to create questions that they would like to ask the representative from the program. Along with that if there is still time in the lesson the organization also has some individuals that would like to personally thank my students and talk to them about the impact that they have made in the community.


 * The learning outcomes: **

Through this lesson I would like my students to learn the following;


 * Students will be able to compile 10 questions per group to ask the organization.
 * Students will be able to write a letter to go along with their materials to thank the organization for all that they have done to help individuals in our community.

Along with the given objectives I would also want my students to learn that there are students in the world that are less fortunate then us and when given the opportunity to help others it can be very rewarding.


 * The skills: **

In order for my students to complete this project they will need the basic skills of forming sentences and completing graphic organizers. They will also need to be able to create questions that are not simple to answer and have a varying level of answers that can be given. The students must make questions that are of various levels.


 * The content area objectives/standards: **


 * 1.4.6.B.Write multi-paragraph informational pieces(e.g., letters,descriptions, reports,instructions, essays,articles, interviews).
 * Use relevantgraphics (e.g.,maps, charts,graphs, tables, illustrations,photographs).
 * Use **sources**, as appropriate, to task.
 * 1.5.6.C.Write with controlled organization.
 * Use appropriate transitions within sentences and between paragraphs.
 * Establish purpose in the introduction.
 * Include an introduction, body, and conclusion.


 * The steps of the lesson: **


 * Students will complete a graphic organizer that will create the structure for the three-paragraph essay that they will be creating.
 * From the graphic organizers, students will create a three-paragraph letter where they thank the organization that they have chosen.
 * The students will then work in a group and create 10 questions that they would like to ask during the online collaboration with the organizations leaders. They will be sure to create
 * Students will work on practicing their questioning with the other students in order to prepare for the communication.


 * How will social networking and/or online collaboration tools be used: **

My students will be using the Internet to search through:
 * Finding information about the organization that they would like to ask questions about.
 * Using skype to communicate with the organization


 * How the lesson is customize for diverse learners: **

This lesson is completed with my 6th grade learning support class therefore the entire lesson is designed for diverse learners. Throughout the lesson the students will be using cloze notes, rubrics, scaffolded learning and modeling from the teacher. The students will also be working in groups so that they can help each other with their experiences and understandings.


 * How learning is going to be assessed: **

The learning goals will be assessed through the use of a rubric to grade their presentation of their question, participation in their group, along with their final product. There will also be anecdotal notes during the group time to observe the students. I will also have individual meetings with each of the students after the lesson is complete to discuss their work during the lesson.


 * How this activity will be managed in the classroom: **

The students will be in groups to complete the essays, questions and interviews. It will be important to make sure that I am walking around the room and making sure that all the students are working on what they are supposed be working on. Another thing that will aid in the management of the classroom will be the use of graphic organizers and teacher check ins. Each of the students will have to work with me at different points of the process to ensure that they are working hard together.

Erinn,

I love that you are using your classroom experience to help others. One of my coworkers has adopted a classroom through Donor's Choice. This is an organization that finds classrooms in need and the classroom creates a list of supplies. Another classroom, organization, or individual can adopt this classroom to get them the supplies they need. After the students donate their items, would they be able to Skype with the class that they donated to? This will give your students a more authentic experience as they can visualize and have a conversation with the students they help.

Keri