IT 573 - Dinosaurs NTeQ Unit Day 6

Today's lesson began as usual with a "Did you know?" fact and a discussion of the day's goals. Students are enjoying the daily facts and a different student has read them aloud each day.

We reviewed paleontology. Some students shared their feelings about the dig experience from Day 5. Many students reflected very positively about this experience. Many have asked if they can keep their fossils from the dig.

I demonstrated to students how to use the hotlist. We discussed the importance of writing their research in their own words.

I used the random group generator to place students into groups. I had 6 groups of students working in 6 centers. Two centers were at two different computer stations researching their fossils. Two groups worked on different activities in the other classroom: mapping vocabulary words, completing a word sort. Two other groups worked on the Smart Board completing center activities. I had prepared a slide that linked different centers relating to the study of dinosaurs.

Before I dismissed students to their centers, I discussed the expectations at each center. I demonstrated how to use the center activities at the Smart Board. I also reminded students to bring their pencils, fossils, and think sheets to the computer stations.

I then dismissed the groups to go to work. Mrs. Stewardson worked with students on center activities in the other classroom. Mrs. Pieper assisted me with the two Smart Boards and computer stations.

I had to only warn two students about inappropriate behavior at the Smart Boards. The rest of the students worked rather well. I set the timer for 10 minutes. We rotated through the centers for a total of 60 minutes. This kept students moving.

The only problem I noticed today was organizing where students went when they were finished and the timer went off. Many students were confused as to where to go next. I am going to work today on organizing this better. The random group generator worked very well, but I need to find a way to inform students of where to go next.

I did not have students write in their journals today. We ran out of time. All students finished their research today! I have decided to create a template to use in Microsoft Works. This will help those students that find typing difficult. I will create the template to look like the bottom of the think sheet. They will simply type in the missing information.

Tomorrow I will demonstrate how to use the template and distribute the technical guides for Microsoft Works. I will have students work in centers again to make sure each student gets a chance to work at the computers and complete the document.