Rationale for NETS-T and DPI for Photo Essay

Context

   In my Elementary Science Methods class during Block II, I created an activity called a "Photo Essay" to use in a second or third grade classroom.  I made a Power Point presentation as a tool to use to teach science.  While doing this project, I used a digital camera to take photos and then I uploaded them on the computer and put them into a Power Point.  I added text boxes with questions I thought the students may ask about the pictures. 

Impact

When I teach, I can use this activity to integrate technology and science in the classroom.

I may allow the students to either view the Power Point as a whole class, or I may have them get into groups and view it on a computer.  They can work together as a group to try and come up with answers to the questions I have provided or to come up with new questions of their own.

My goal is to have the children become excited about science and all of the many forms it takes in the world around them.  By using the Power Point, it allows them to get a visual and see a real photo of what I am referring to.  I believe this is imperative for visual learners.  After this activity, I may let them use digital cameras to take their own science pictures and then put them into a Power Point and let them present it to the class.

Alignment

I have met NETS-T competencies IIA and B because I designed this Power Point in order to meet the needs of my diverse learners.  The students who learn by visual are going to be affected as well as ESL students.  They have the pictures to refer to and I may also use Babelfish.com to translate my questions into another language.

I have met DPI standard 3, indicator 1 because I took several pictures of life science concepts and put them into my power point.  I included several questions which will get the students thinking about certain characteristics of living things, the diversity of organisms and their environments, and the relationship humans have with these organisms and the environment.

I have met DPI standard 3, indicator 2 because I took several pictures of physical science concepts and put them them into my power point. I included several questions which will allow he students to do some critical thinking about the properties of matter and waves of light and heat.

I have met DPI standard 3, indicator 3 because I took pictures of earth science concepts including the sky, changes in the sky and weather and properties of water (icicles).  These pictures all have questions included to encourage the students to think at or above the critical thinking level.

I have met DPI standard 15, indicator 1 because this assignment allows me to connect with underrepresented students in a science context.  Students are able to connect science with real world applications which may pertain to them.  They are able to understand that science is all around them and in their community.