One of the main units covered in 7th Grade Life Science is Cells. Students have learned the main characteristics of Eukaryotic and Prokaryotic cells. After this, we discuss the importance of cell division and learn the steps. This concept is hard for some students to grasp because they can not visualize it. To help my students see how a cell can grow, duplicate, and then divide into two identical cells I created a lesson plan using the Stop Motion App. Our school has a class set of iPads that our students can use to complete this project. I provided them with various materials: Play-doh, pipe cleaners, yarn, string, etc. for them to create their videos. They are given a planning guide and then three class periods to create their video. They are to model the steps of cell division in a clean and organized manner. The students have been exposed to Stop Motion in 6th grade, so the tutorial was mainly a review. After the tutorial, they were allowed time to make a "fake" video to practice the settings, using the tripods, and adding text. This was a good time to check what they knew about the App and address what changes we needed to make. For instance, some groups would move the tripod between takes which would change the frame of their movie each time. We had to discuss how important it was to the process to not move the iPad or the tripod. Overall, the lesson went great. Student engagement was at an all time high and were able to see what happens through Cell Division. There were several "AHA" moments. One thing that I would do differently in the future is provide more materials for the students to choose from. Some of the projects started to look very similar. Another thing would be to see about getting better tripod stands. These have bendable legs and were not very reliable to stay sturdy the entire time.
The candidate continually seeks appropriate ways to employ technology to support assessment practice both to engage learners more fully and assess learner needs.
The candidate engages all learners in using a range of learning skills and technology tools to access, interpret, evaluate, and apply information.
The candidate understands how content and skill development can be supported by media and technology and knows how to evaluate these resources for quality, accuracy, and effectiveness.
The candidate advocates, models, and teaches safe, legal, and ethical use of information and technology including appropriate documentation of sources and respect for others in the use of social media.
The candidate designs authentic, learner-driven activities and environments that recognize and accommodate learner variability.
The candidate facilitates learning with technology to support student achievement of the 2016 ISTE Standards for Students.
The candidate understands and uses data to drive his or her instruction and supports students in achieving their learning goals.
The candidate demonstrates his or her proficiencies to understand and apply knowledge and skills appropriate to his or her professional field of specialization so that learning and development opportunities for all P-12 are enhanced, through supporting appropriate applications of technology for his or her field of specialization.
The candidate inspires students to contribute to and responsibly participate in the digital world.