1. Topic-
Scientific Current Events
 
2. Content-
Life Science
Earth Science
 
3. Goals: Aims/Outcomes-
1. Provide students easy access to engaging science and engineering images and video from around the globe.
2. Provide students with an up to date news feed featuring breaking news from the National Science Foundation.
 
4. Objectives-
1. Students will learn how to objectively interpret a scientific article.
2. Students will learn how to cross reference information to further expand their knowledge base of the topic.
3. Students will practice competence with implementing iPad technology, including the application "Science 360", AirPlay, and Pages.
4. Students will develop improved research skills including reference citation.
5. Students will develop improved speaking skills.
 
5. Materials and Aids-
iPad, including the application "Science 360"
Smart Board
AirPlay
 
6. Procedures/Methods-

A. Introduction-

1. Share a variety of engaging scientific news stories (capturing students varied interest).
2. Share a short MythBusters video clip.
3. Reinforce the idea that science is all around us!
 

B. Development-

1. Present the iPad application "Science 360" on the Smart Board.
2. Demonstrate proper use for maximum use.
3. Discuss the importance and legitimacy of the National Science Foundation.
 

C. Practice-

1. Present and summarize the article "Flower Power", by Briana Whitaker and Briana Carstens.
2. Pull up a Pages document that displays written information about the International Science & Engineering Visualization Challenge.
3. Written information would include a description of the annual competition, it's importance to scientific development, and a link where the information was found.
 

D. Independent Practice-

1. Students will be asked to utilize the "Science 360" application and choose a video or print article to present.
2. Students will be asked to develop a Pages document that cross references one aspect of their "Science 360" article.
3. Students must include a website where they found the cross referenced information.
4. Students will present their new knowledge to the class.
 

E. Accommodations (Differentiated Instruction)-

1. Video Articles will be encouraged for students with lower than average reading levels.
 

F. Checking for understanding-

1. Able to display a chosen "Science 360" article through AirPlay on the Smart Board.
2. Able to present a written document, on Pages, that cross references one aspect of their "Science 360" article.
3. Student must display a website address, on their Pages document, that cites their cross referenced information.
4. Complete sentences and proper punctuation are expected on the student's Pages document.
5. Students must print submit their document to be graded (through Dropbox, email, or paper copy).
 

G. Closure-

1. This activity provides a springboard for class discussion.
2. This activity provides opportunity to learn beyond the existing curriculum.
3. This activity may be repeated throughout the school year!
 
7. Evaluation-
Repeating this activity should show improved analytical reading skills and public speaking.
 

This Lesson Plan is available at (www.teacherjet.com)