Lesson Title: Grade Level: Subject: CC/GPSs:

Photosynthesis in Action: An interactive Adventure 7 Grade Earth Science

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Description of Learning Goals, Standards, Objectives

S7L2 Students will describe the structure and function of cells, tissues, organs, and organ systems.
. National Technology Standards:

Creativity and Innovation

Students demonstrate creative thinking, construct knowledge, and develop innovative products and processes using technology. - Use models and simulations to explore complex systems and issues Students must use a web tool to create their own comic strip about photosynthesis. The comic strip must include 3 elements of photosynthesis and be more than one page long.

Long-Term Learning Goal or Outcome:

How does photosynthesis occur and why is it important in plant growth? Students should be able to answer both these questions in detail (i.e. incorporate and include functions of cellular growth and systems within plant growth) and create a comic strip using comic master describing the process. Students must already have a basic knowledge of the cell, cell growth and organ systems.

ABCD Objectives or Outcomes:

After viewing and reading websites, students will create a comic strip using ComicMaster and will be graded through the rubric provided to 70% accuracy.

Description of Assessment
Assessment Plan: After students have reviewed prior lessons, they will create a Comic Strip depicting basic functions of photosynthesis. The Comic Strip should be at least one page long and student must use Comic Master. Students are encouraged to be as descriptive as possible. An example is included. This example will give the student a passing grade of 100%. Students are encouraged to be creative and as in depth as possible. At the end of the lesson students should be prepared to share their Comic Strip with the rest of the class and answer questions. This should engage students into thinking about photosynthesis and allow the teacher to see how involved in the content area the student was.

Description of Activities with Technology and Materials

Activity Design: Create Comic Strip about Photosynthesis. Students and teacher will discuss/ hypothesize how cells convert sunlight into nutrients that plants can use to grow. Students must recall information about plant cells from previous lesson. Class starter and lesson connection:

Students will view websites to learn about photosynthesis. Students will get into small groups and create a Comic Strip about Photosynthesis.

Teacher and student activities:

Although there will be some structure to the lesson, students should engage in self-directed learning and discussion. Teacher should engage in conversation with student and take the I- Thou approach to learning. Students may work independently or in groups, depending on preference. Materials needed: Computer or other device with internet connection. Pen/Pencil and paper. URLs include the following:

Technology Connection:

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/nature/photosynthesis.html http://science.howstuffworks.com/life/29603-assignmentdiscovery-photosynthesis-video.htm
Materials and Resources:

http://www.biology4kids.com/files/plants_photosynthesis.html http://www.comicmaster.org.uk/ Information from previous lessons on photosynthesis.

No handouts or books will be required. Students should have access to notes and handouts from previous lessons about plant cells.

Reflection on Lesson Design

Future Actions : Answer the following questions: Explain how you incorporated information from the chapter and D2L modules into this lesson plan. -Basically I am trying to incorporate as much as I have seen in class into this lesson plan. After considering this lesson plan, what will you do differently when you design the next lesson in light of your new understandings? I would like to use a google format for students to submit answers and I do not know how to do that. Or, if you had more time/resources, etc., how would you change the lesson and/or technology artifact? Find a way for students to publish their comic digitally. How does your technology artifact showcase design principles? I think that my technology artifact showcases visual hierarchy. For instance, I think that creating the comic strip and teaching

ones self about photosynthesis are the most important things. Students are also teaching others when they present their Comic to the class. They will have to print out their comic. I dont like multiple choice answers and think that should be the least important thing. How does your technology artifact require student use of higher order thinking skills? They have to develop a comic, they must interpret what they are seeing and reading to ensure that they are creating something that correctly shows aspects of photosynthesis and develops their characters correctly. How does the technology in your lesson align to the content you are trying to teach in your lesson? I think watching the video and interactive slide on the website will help students have a better understanding of photosynthesis than just reading it in a book. Creating the comic and presenting it will ensure they truly understand what they have seen in previous lessons.