TRyanMagnetismDesign

Science and Technology in the Constructivist Electronic Community

Grades 4-5

Magnetism Multimedia Task

Designed by: Tricia Ryan, Maryland Technology Academy

Project
Summary

Plans for Facilitation

Goal: Students will develop scientific literacy by connecting the various aspects of technology to scientific inquiry.
Content Standards: By the end of grade 5, students know and are able to do everything required at earlier grades and:
Science/ Scientific Inquiry	Top of page
1.5.1 access and process information in order to identify questions that can be answered through a scientific investigation.
1.5.2 design and safely conduct investigations identifying important variables.
1.5.3 make metric measurements and use computers and their accessories and demonstrate safety when conducting investigations.
1.5.4 using appropriate instruments, including calculators, spreadsheets, databases and graphing program, collect, organize and display data to form an explanation based on evidence and scientific principles.
1.5.5 analyze data to form conclusions.
1.5.6 interpret and communicate findings through speaking, writing, and drawing using developmentally appropriate methods including technology tools and telecommunications.
1.5.7 apply scientific concepts to make decisions.
Math/ Measurement	Top of page
3.5.2 use standard units to measure objects
Language Arts/ Research	Top of page
3.5.3 prepare writing for publication by purposefully using electronic resources and graphics to enhance the final product
Reading/ Comprehension and Interpretation of Informational Text	Top of page
1.5.5
1. use prior knowledge and ideas presented in texts to make and confirm predictions
2. evaluate new information and hypotheses by testing them against known information and ideas

Project Summary	Top of page
This exciting and innovative computer-mediated multimedia project engages the learner in a thought-provoking performance task allowing for the exploration of magnetism while developing knowledge and skills required for other specified target key areas.
Objectives: Students will:
quantify magnetic interaction between two magnets to find out the mathematical relationship between attraction and repulsion.
use a science journal and electronic discussion forum to record their questions, ideas, observations, and results of experiments.
collect, record, and interpret data and learn to use the data and observations to predict results of additional experiments.

Plans for Facilitation:				Top of page
Prepare materials, tools and resources.
Conduct a pre-assessment to evaluate the following National Educational Technology Standards (NETS) performance indicators.
Use keyboards and other common input and output devices efficiently and effectively.	Use general-purpose productivity tools and peripherals to support personal productivity, remediate skill deficits, and facilitate learning throughout the curriculum.		Use technology tools for individual and collaborative writing, communication, and publishing activities to create knowledge products for audiences inside and outside the classroom.
Students will need a familiarity with the attraction and respulsion of magnets before doing this activity. Instructor will review, if necessary, how to read the metric ruler.
Students work individually or in pairs to load the multimedia presentation Magnetism and gather materials as described on the .
Students will read the task objectives(slide 3), background information(slide 4) and gather materials (slide 5).
Students will read and respond to the key question (slide 6).
Students will conduct the investigation by following the specific directions provided on the multimedia slides (6-12).
Students will access the Electronic Learning Community discussion board to publish well-prepared, reflective responses to the questions posted in the discussion forum, 'Multimedia Task'.
Assessments include: observations, responses to electronic discussion, work samples
Rubric for evaluating student performance (Wiggins G. and McTighe J., Understanding By Design)					Top of page
Score Point 4 The performance is highly effective. The ideas are presented in a polished, clear and thorough manner. The preparation and published work is excellent.		Score Point 3 The performance is effective. The ideas are presented in a clear and thorough manner. The preparation and published work is fair.
Score Point 2 The performance is moderately effective. There are some problems with clarity. The preparation and published work is fair.		Score Point 1 The performance is minimally effective. The performance is unpolished, providing little evidence of preparation and planning. The publication of work is poor.