Planning+for+Technology+Integration

Objective: **SPI 0807.Inq.3**. Interpret and translate data into a table, graph, or diagram

Grade 8 Science

Activity 1: Individual Use in a Computer Lab
Description: During this lesson, students will collect data on the heights of their classmates. As a class, students will each write their heights up on the board so that everyone can see them. Then, students will use Excel to translate each students height into a table then make a graph using the software. The teacher will act as a guide during this lesson, clarifying how to work Excel. The teacher will also make sure students stay on task and each student writes an approximately correct height on the board. Using the graphs that they make, the students will complete a worksheet with questions about the data of the class’ height.

Materials: Whiteboard, dry erase marker (or Interactive White Board), Worksheet (Questions would include: What is the tallest height in the class?, What is the shortest height in the class?, What height are most people in the class?, Do you see a pattern in the heights of your classmates? Where does your height fit in among your classmates?), scrap paper and pencils Technology: Microsoft Excel in order to make charts and graphs []

Before Class Preparation: I will make sure all computers are on with Excel already open. I will also create a graph myself ahead of time so I can be sure that I’ll be able to answer any student questions. The day before this assignment, I will teach my students the basics of entering information on Excel and creating a graph. We will also have a lesson ahead of time on the uses of each different graph option that Excel gives (bar, line, pie, etc). Before getting to the computers, students should create a rough outline to see how they want to group their data for the spreadsheet. A modification for a special needs student would be to use a keyboard with large keys for a visually impaired student or a student with less developed fine motor skills.

During Instruction: During instruction, I will need to monitor to make sure that students are on task and not playing around with other stuff on the computer. During this lesson, students will not be allowed to use the internet or any programs other than Excel. I will also have to watch for any students who may be struggling creating their graph. They may put numbers in the wrong place or use random numbers. If someone is struggling, I will need to be able to explain to them the correct way to graph. I will also need to monitor to make sure all computers are working properly. I will allow students to talk to each other about the assignment so that they can help each other out.

Back-Up Plan: If a computer fails and there are not enough computers for everyone, I will have some students work together. If a student doesn’t save their work and accidentally loses it, I will give them extra time with a penalty. If Excel crashes on a computer, students will be given extra time with no penalty.

Activity 2: Small Group with 5 Computers in the Classroom
Description: During this lesson, students will perform their own data collection and create a spreadsheet and graph on Excel. Each group will create a survey on Microsoft Word and pass it out to each student in the class. The survey should be on something appropriate, such as favorite ice cream or favorite animal. Then, each group will use their data to create a graph on their computer that accurately represents the class. Then, each group will share their findings with the rest of the class. The teacher will act as a guide in this lesson, helping with any computer problems or clarifying questions.

Materials: Paper, printer, computers, Microsoft Word (http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/word/), Microsoft Excel ([])

Before Class Preparation: Before class, students will be given a lesson on how to use Excel and the basics of making graphs. They will need to know how to make a graph on paper before making one on the computer so that they understand the concept. The computers will be turned on with Microsoft Word and Excel already open. I will have the basic steps towards making a graph written on the board for students to refer to. One modification for a special needs student would be to use Zoom or Magnifier to make the screen easier to see. Since there will be multiple people in a group, the student may need it to be bigger in order to see it.

During Instruction: I will need to monitor and make sure that students are staying on task while doing this assignment. I will have to make sure that all surveys are appropriate for school. I will also have to make sure that one student isn’t doing all of the work. Students should work together and collaborate to complete this project. If anyone is not pulling their weight, I will talk to them and make sure they understand what they’re doing. If it continues, I can have them do the assignment with a different group. While the technology is being used for this project, students may not use the internet unless they are looking up how to graph something.

Back Up Plan: If Word or Excel isn’t working on one of the computers, I will have students separate and go to other groups so that each group is 1 person bigger. If multiple computers aren’t working, I can make this a whole class assignment instead of small groups by coming up with a poll question to ask the whole class. If a program crashes and re-opens, students will be given extra time.