Database Doc

Project Name:
Categorizing Animals into a Database

Description of Learning Goals:
The students will see the similarities and differences of the animals described in the data base. Topic: Science Inquiry, Process Skills and Problem Solving
Standard: Asks questions, makes and keeps simple records of observations, sorts and classifies objects, communicates with others, makes predictions, uses estimation and measurement, and makes sketches and diagrams to explain ideas. The technology standard would be Topic: Problem Solving/Decision Making Standard: Uses technology to solve problems and make decisions with teacher guidance.


Rational For Technology:
The use of technology will enhance this lesson by illustrating the use of the computer program and the benefits of categories. The students will then understand better which animals live in similar environments and have similar features.

Description of Lesson Implication:
The teacher will give the class ten animals. The students will describe the individual characteristics of each animal. The teacher will write on the board. The class will also observe pictures to see how correct their descriptions were. The class will then create the different categorizes the animals should be placed in. The teacher, with the overhead projection, will create the database. Once the database is created each animals will be placed into the correct field.

Assessment:
The teacher will create a worksheet to be completed as a class. This will contain questions that will require the students to find the correct animal in the database. The teacher will control the computer but the students will direct her. The students will complete the worksheet as the teacher works on the computer. This may not assess each student on an individual basis but will prove the effectiveness of the data base.

Other places:
This activity could be used in many different subjects. I think it would be especially helpful for understanding broad subject material. In a younger classroom the teacher would have to manipulate the technology. This is a very advanced way to use technology in the first grade.

What I Learned:
I think I may learn the class will lose their attention span because the teacher will have to focus so much on the computer. I think this may not be the best use of technology in a first grade classroom. I also learned that I will be very hesitant to create/use a data base again. It is the most frustrating program I have ever tried to use.


References:
Handout from Mrs. Davis
www. glc.k12.ga.us/

created by Addie
Addieos@aol.com