Videoconference Project: Science Seekers

This project was created as an assignment in Planning Interactive Curriculum Connections, an online class offered by Berrien RESA and taught by Janine Lim.

Lamar Consolidated I.S.D. K2K connections proudly presents… Science Seekers

An academic challenge based on the following TX 5th grade science objectives:

  • S5.6(C) The student will compare and contrast the life cycles of animals including the Eastern Brown Pelican and Attwater's Prairie Chicken.
  • H 5.2 (A) The student will describe the structure, functions, and interdependence of major body systems.
  • S5.9(A) The student will compare the adaptive characteristics of species that improve their ability to survive and reproduce in an ecosystem.
  • S5.10(A) The student will examine and describe traits that are inherited from parent to offspring in plants and animals.
  • S5.9(C) The student will predict some adaptive characteristics required for survival and reproduction by an organism in an ecosystem.
  • S5.9(B) The student will analyze and describe adaptive characteristics that result in an organism’s unique niche in an ecosystem.
  • S5.3(A) The student will analyze, review, and critique scientific explanations, including hypotheses and theories, as to their strengths and weaknesses using scientific evidence and information.
  • S5.10(B) The student will generate a list of examples of learned characteristics that result from the influence of the environment.
  • S5.5(A) The student will examine and describe some cycles, structures, and processes that are found in simple systems.
  • S5.5(B) The student will analyze interactions that occur in a simple system.
  • S5.4(A) The student will collect and analyze information using tools including computers and compasses.

Dates: October 28-November 3, 2004
Times: 9-10 am CST; 10-11 am CST; 1-2 pm CST

To register e-mail Ken Conn (kconn@lcisd.org) with:

  • Teacher’s name
  • Teacher’s district/campus
  • Event date and time desired (Choose 1 date and time from the available listed above.)

Registration Deadline: October 14, 2004

Objectives:
TSW review/demonstrate mastery of the 5th grade science objectives.
TSW develop and communicate solutions using various materials and tools.
TSW analyze solutions for validity.

Agenda:

  1. Welcome
    The classes (2-4) will be introduced and welcomed, and the rules of the challenge* will be reviewed.
  2. Science Seekers Challenge
    A question or scenario# (based on all levels of Bloom’s Taxonomy) will be shared with each class via a PowerPoint slide.
    Example: What type of energy is transformed into chemical energy during photosynthesis?
    Both classes will mute their microphone(s) and have 3-5 minutes to come up with a class consensus response using the materials suggested in the confirmation e-mail. Once the time is up, both sides will present their response to the other class and wait for confirmation. The teacher should help facilitate:
    • students in using the resources to develop a response as well as coming up with a class consensus
    • students in presenting their answer
    • students in analyzing the solutions for validity
  3. Conclusion
    Each class will have the opportunity to share a science related joke.

*This academic challenge is based on the wonderful challenges developed by Linda McDonald (lindamcdonald@katyisd.org) at Katy I.S.D.

#Questions/Scenarios were put together by the one and only Doris Tomas at Jackson Elementary in Lamar Consolidated I.S.D.