I Wrote Myself a Letter

Storyboard

TPCK Application

What is the content you are focusing on in your science lesson?

In our lesson we focused on how weather can change water. This falls under the water cycle which is covered in the core curriculum, Standard 1, Objective 2.

What is the pedagogy you are using and why is it a good fit with the content?

In this lesson we are allowing students to create their own natural phenomenon and observe it in comparison with those around them. We are encouraging them to learn from their surroundings and help them learn the curriculum via a fun and exciting activity.

What is the technology you’ll be using and why is it a good fit with the content and pedagogy?

In this lesson we will take pictures of snow crystals using a digital microscope. We will be uploading those pictures onto a computer and following up with a relevant website.

The Tech Savvy Teacher

Activity: Snow Crystals

All kids are fascinated with the concept of snow. Snow is often associated with snow angels, snowmen, snowball fights, and best of all, snowdays! I remember when I was young and we would do snow dances, sing snow songs, and even wear our pajamas inside out in hopes of creating a winter wonderland. Think of how exciting it would be for a child to create his or her very own snow crystal! Our step-by-step process outlined below will show you how!

Standard 1: Objective 2

Describe the water cycle

We began by laying some microscope slides out in the evening. (Unfortunately

this experiment is weather sensitive

and is definitely a winter activity.) Be sure to leave these outside, untouched for the entire night!

In the morning the glass slides should have frost on them, much like the accumulation of frost on a car windshield.

Take your slides and hold them underneath a microscope where your personalized snow crystals can be better examined!

Snowcrystals.com is such a fun website to explore with your students. This particular site delves into the wonders of snow crystals. It even provides opportunities for you and your students to email them to the site so that they can be shared with others! The picture below is one taken of a real snow crystal that fell to the earth and was captured by Kenneth G. Libbrecht using a specially designed snowflake photomicroscope. It can be found at http://www.its.caltech.edu/~ph76a/wallpaper/a640by480.jpg

My Technology Background

Technology has always made me nervous. Reflecting on my past experiences with technology, a definte pattern has manifested itself. I usually stay away from advances in technology, unless it is necessary or will provide me with something that I feel is worth the effort and frustration. Technology became a constant part of my life about three years ago, when I began my job as a project manager for the Office of Information Technology. I have since learned that everyone has the capability to be technologically savvy, as long as patience and endurance are involved!