Learning Activity 1:

 

1. Grade Level: 8

2. Subject Area: Science/ Biology

3. Activity type: Research, Exploration

4. Allotted Time: 5 days, 1 hr. per day

5. Media: Multimedia

6. Instructional Materials: Computer, Internet, Lecture

7. Learning Objective:  Working in teams and using the Bubble.us electronic mind mapping tool, students will create a mindmap of 10 animals, including the 7 categories of classification, at least 1 characteristics of the class, order, family and genus. There will be at least 8 characteristics under Species. Students will then present their mind maps to the class.

8. Description of Instructional Methods:  The activity will begin with a lecture given by the instructor going over examples and animal taxonomy and scientific vocabulary, as well as guiding students to where they may find information regarding animal taxonomy. The students must each choose 10 animals of their choice, preferably from different taxons (classifications). Once their animals have been selected, they will create a mind map showing its seven main classifications: Kingdom (all will be Animalia), Phylum, Class, Order, Family, Genus, and Species. Internet research. Biology books and collaborative learning and a presentation will also be utilized. Students must include whether the animal is cold or warm blooded, two or four footed, winged, scaled, or smooth skinned, their reproduction (live birth, or lay eggs) and other characteristics. Students may get as elaborate as they want, but must include the primary characteristics. In doing so, students will learn how to classify animals based on their characteristics.

9. Once the students have listened to the instructor lecture, chosen their 10 animals to research, and created a mindmap using bubbl.us, they must then present their findings to the class using a computer linked either to a projector or television screen.

10. Evaluation of Instructional Methods Selection:  (Collaboration, Presentation), This activity consists of individual as well as collaborative work, and includes a  final presentation to the class. It is designed to be student centered, provide a high level of interactivity, allows for students to work in teams, provide information and content, provide a discovery environment and will provide a realistic context for learning.

11. Technology used: A wide screen television or projector for displaying projects to the class, a computer for the students to conduct research and for the creation of a mind map using the website bubbl.us.This activity is designed for students to actively conduct research on their own and gather information in order to classify their animals of choice.