Student Teacher: Katie Agli Grade Level: 4

Natural Disasters

Common Core State Standards:

INQ 3–5.10 Construct arguments using claims and evidence from multiple sources.

INQ 3–5.12 Present a summary of arguments and explanations to others outside the classroom using print and oral technologies (e.g., posters, essays, letters, debates, speeches, and reports) and digital technologies (e.g., Internet, social media, and digital documentary).

Student Learning Objectives:Students will:

Watch a screen cast tutorial on how to use thinglink and Fakebook and be able to use each site based on their understanding of the tutorial.

Be able to navigate through different websites as well as their textbooks in order to locate information about a specific natural disaster.

Create a Fakebook page based on what they learned through their research. Be able to present their page to the class to explain their choice and extend

on any aspects of their Fakebook that they wish to go in depth on. Have the chance to ask questions about each other’s Fakebooks and make

comparisons.

Rational for Objective:

This lesson supports the use of technology and different learning tools for students to gain knowledge about a topic and to present it in a non-traditional way. It also encourages conversation about a topic in which the students have researched independently but are presenting in a group.

Assessment:

Students will be asked to create a Fakebook page pretending to be a fictional natural disaster. The natural disaster that they choose should be the one that they have decided to do more research on. The Fakebook page must include:

1. A name for the disaster 2. A profile picture of the selected disaster 3. The date in history that it occurred (In the “about” section)

4. The city, state, and country that this fictional natural disaster is located (This should be in the appropriate region in which the selected disaster is common and can be put in the “about” section.)

5. In a new post, include at least 5 interesting facts they have learned 6. At least 3 pictures of the aftermath of the natural disaster7. The regions of the country/world that they typically occur and why that is.8. Find one historical natural disaster that impacted a large group of people and

in a new post, discuss this event. Include the date, the location, and how it impacted the people of the region.

Classroom Learning Environment Focus:

Students will be able to use the computer lab to watch the tutorial and start their projects. This will ensure that if they have any questions, I will be available to answer them and help if needed. Students should be given a few days in the computer lab to finish their projects in case there are children who do not have access to a computer at home.

Instructional Model/Strategy:Direct instruction:

Students will view a tutorial which will give step by step instructions on how to complete the assignment.

Rationale: Students will have the chance to pause and replay any parts of the video to help them understand their task.

Materials/Resources:

Computers, internet access, and books on chosen topic (if desired).

Daily Formative Assessment:

Check their work while in the computer lab to see their progress and if they are understanding the project.

Differentiating Instruction:

By having the students create a Fakebook account, they are able to be as creative as they want to apply their knowledge on the topic. They also have the opportunity to go at their own pace to watch instruction and find information. Students will also

have the option to look at a word document with screen shots of the tutorial along with the video.

Initiation:

I will start by asking the class if they know what a natural disaster is and if anyone can tell me what they know about them (i.e. location, aftermath, migration factors, etc..). We will go through and name all of the different types and any facts they may know about each. Then I will show them pictures/videos of each type to get them familiar with the topic.

Lesson Development:

1. Show screencast tutorial to the class and explain to them that they will have the chance to see it on their own computers in the computer lab in case they want to see it multiple times.

2. Students choose which natural disaster they would like to do more research on.

3. The students navigate through natural disaster thinglink to get started.4. They research their topic.5. Students create Fakebook page.6. They present their Fakebook page to the class while peers ask questions.

Closure:

Students will be able to present their Fakebook page to the class so that everyone has a chance to learn more about each natural disaster in a more fun and creative way. After the presentations, I will ask the students their likes/dislikes about the project and if they have any closing statements or questions.