Concept Maps in the Classroom

Since JKL just wrote a Language Arts test, I thought I would expand on one of the concepts we looked at, which was the Writing Process by using a concept map. One of the many ways teachers could incorporate concept maps in the classroom is for a Grade 8 Language Arts class. For this particular assignment, the teacher could introduce the idea of concept maps when teaching about the 5 Stages of the Writing Process: Prewriting, Drafting, Revising, Editing, and Publishing. By having the students properly write an essay through these steps, the students could create their own concept maps, in which they fill in the spaces to illustrate their outline for their essays.
In the end, the students should have a grasp on how to structure an essay, and the proper order in which it should be structured: Introduction (containing the thesis), followed by the arguments (which are supported), and finishing with a conclusion paragraph, that restates the thesis. They will also have experience and confidence in using a webbing tool such as Inspiration and the technological outcomes that would be covered are:

General Outcomes
P.2 – Students will organize and manipulate data
Specific Outcomes
3.1 design, create and modify a database for a specific purpose
3.3 use a variety of technological graphing tools to draw graphs for data involving one or two variables

General Outcomes
P.2 – Students will organize and manipulate data.
Specific Outcomes
3.1 design, create and modify a database for a specific purpose

General Outcomes
P.4 – Students will integrate various applications
Specific Outcomes
3.3 emphasize information, using placement and color.

Grade 8 Science: Cells and Systems

Well, looks like we are integrating the ICT curricula with Science! Lets just say we are in a Grade 8 classroom; here’s something you could teach: Have students work independently in a computer lab, to complete a series of activities which review the categories of Cells and Systems that were covered in a previous lesson.

1. http://personal.tmlp.com/Jimr57/tour/cell/cell.htm. and http://www.life.uiuc.edu/plantbio/cell/
Have students visit these sites, and become familiar with the ‘Virtual Cell’, by selecting different actions, and reviewing the select parts of a cell.

2. http://www.biology.arizona.edu/cell_bio/tutorials/cells/problems.html
Students will complete the mini quizzes on the site.

3. http://www.cellsalive.com/puzzles/index.htm

Once students complete the mini quizzes, they are able to work on these Cell virtual puzzles.

Brief Rational for Computer Integration
By having the students complete these activities online, not only are they becoming more technologically confident, but it is an alternative to activities on paper, which may not suit all students’ needs. Especially in the subject of Science, a more ‘hands on’ activity is needed and technology is used in this lesson as a tool for learning, as the students are able to dissect cells – something that is hard to illustrate on paper. Also, by having the students work independently rather than in groups, each student is able to complete the activity, while allowing the teacher to identify specific needs for struggling students.

Science Outcomes:
GLO’s
1. Students will investigate and describe the role of cells within living things

SLO’s
1. Ask questions about the relationships between and among observable variables, and planinvestigations to address those questions

2. Conduct investigations into the relationships between and among observations, and gather and record qualitative and quantitative data

ICT Outcomes:
C.1 - Students will access, use and communicate information from a variety of technologies.
C.6 - Students will use technology to investigate and/or solve problems.
C.7 - Students will use electronic research techniques to construct personal knowledge and meaning.
F.6 - Students will demonstrate a basic understanding of the operating skills required in a variety of technologies.

References:

Cells Alive (2006) Cells Alive Puzzle Page. Retrieved September 26th, 2007 from http://www.cellsalive.com/puzzles/index.htm

The University of Arizona (2004). Studying Cells Tutorial. Retrieved September 26, 2007 from http://www.biology.arizona.edu/cell_bio/tutorials/cells/problems.html.

The University of Illinois (2007). Virtual Cell. Retrieved September 26, 2007 fromhttp://www.life.uiuc.edu/plantbio/cell/

The Virtual Cell Website (2003) Virtual Cell. Retrieved September 26th, 2007 from http://personal.tmlp.com/Jimr57/tour/cell/cell.htm.