Name of Unit/Course: Exploring Rocks and Minerals (Blended ...

K-12 Blended and Online Learning: K. Gunter

Name of Unit/Course: Exploring Rocks and Minerals (Blended Learning)

Overall Unit Information

Unit or Course Goal(s)

Rocks and Minerals: In this unit, students will work cooperatively to assume the roles of rock detectives to uncover the mysteries of rocks and minerals found in and around North Georgia. Students will collect clues and record their findings throughout the module activities using a class blog and include written, audio, and visual documentation. This data will be shared with the community to inform them of their natural surroundings. This unit will use the blended-learning model. Students will work online three days of the week (Monday, Wednesday, and Friday) and participate in interactive learning labs twice a week (Tuesday and Thursday). *Note: The Learning Labs will take place in room 719.

Module 1: Introduction to Rocks and Minerals (2 weeks) Module 2: Physical Attributes of Rocks and Minerals (2 weeks) Module 3: Soils (1 week) Module 4: Weathering & Erosion (1 week)

SelfCheck

See A1

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Standards

Name of standards: Georgia Performance Standards

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Link to standards:

A2



12-2004.pdf

Location information: Cumming Elementary School, Cumming, Georgia Grade/Year: 3rd grade (roughly 8-9 years old)

Subject: Science

Standard (as written):

S3CS1. Students will be aware of the importance of curiosity, honesty, openness, and

skepticism in science and

S3CS3. Students will use tools and instruments for observing, measuring, and manipulating

objects in scientific activities utilizing safe laboratory procedures.

S3CS5. Students will communicate scientific ideas and activities clearly.

S3CS7. Students will be familiar with the character of scientific knowledge and how it is

achieved.

S3E1. Students will investigate the physical attributes of rocks and soils.

a. Explain the difference between a rock and a mineral.

b. Recognize the physical attributes of rocks and minerals using observation (shape,

color, texture), measurement, and simple tests (hardness).

c. Use observation to compare the similarities and differences of texture, particle size,

and color in top soils (such as clay, loam or potting soil, and sand).

d. Determine how water and wind can change rocks and soil over time using

observation and research..

Learner

These learners are 3rd grade ESOL students in an elementary school in Forsyth County, Georgia, located

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Characteristics about 30 miles north of Atlanta.

B1

Non-Native English speakers: 100%

Special Education or IEP: 0%

Countries: Students represent several Central American countries, as well as Mexico and the United States

SES: 65% of students live in low socio-economic homes Testing: 88% of students met expectations in 2nd grade Science tests

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Technology

Computer with high-speed internet connection

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requirements

Webcam or video camera with USB cord

D5

KidBlog account

Access to a telephone

Houghton Mifflin Georgia Science eBook (Username and Password will be given to you in class)

Prerequisite Skills

2nd grade reading proficiency (differentiation provided) Keyboarding skills Blogging / journaling knowledge Computer, iPod Touch, digital camera skills Telephone communication skills

See A4 & D6

Introductory Communication Plans

Students are expected to communicate in daily discussion forums with peers and post a weekly blog reflection assuming the role of a geologist. Each student will meet with the teacher once per week (preferably through webcam or telephone conversation instead of in class) to check up on individual progress toward the learning goals. Students are expected to follow the communication rules outlined in the syllabus and taught at the beginning of the year.

See A4 B9 & B10

Universal Design Multiple forms of representation: webpages, WebQuest, videos, transcripts, textbook with audio option

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Principles

Multiple forms of expression: quizzes, blogs, discussion forums, exemplars, poster choice

B4

Considered

Multiple forms of engagement: phone, webcam, discussion forums, virtual tutorial center, in-person lab

sessions

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Number of Modules or Weeks

This will be a six-week blended learning unit.

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Week 1 & 2: Rocks and Minerals

A3

Week 3 & 4: Identifying and Classifying Rocks and Minerals

Week 5: Soil

Week 6: Weathering and Erosion

Each Monday students will be given access to a new module. Each Tuesday and Thursday, students will

attend the in-person learning lab. Students will collaborate synchronously on Monday, Wednesday, and

Friday. All module assignments (including activities started during the learning lab) will be due Friday

evening. Grades will be returned within a week.

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K-12 Blended and Online Learning: K. Gunter Module 1 Plan: Rocks and Minerals

Module Objective(s)

(S3E1): Students will investigate and identify the physical attributes of rocks and soils through the Rock Exploration Gizmo after the week 2 in-person learning lab with at least 80% accuracy.

Self-Check See A1 & A2

(S3E1a): Students will be able to explain the difference between a rock and a mineral through a discussion forum with their peers in a manner that meets our discussion forum rubric at a minimum of 80% quality.

(S3E1a): Students will be able to identify the three types of rocks: igneous, metamorphic, sedimentary with a minimum of 80% on an independent quiz.

(S3E1a): Students will be able to compare and contrast the ways igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary rocks are formed.

(S3E1a): Students will be able to describe the changes that rocks go through during the rock cycle.

Students will begin to design a plan with their assigned blog group specifying each individual role and the schedule of completing discovery and presentation. Roles include:

Mineral

This person will find out what a mineral is and the

Detective specific characteristics of your assigned mineral.

Locator Detective

This person will find out what your assigned mineral is found in nature and how your assigned mineral is used once it is mined from the earth.

Rock Detective

This person will find out what the three different types of rocks are, how they are formed, then decide in what type of rock is your assigned mineral most often found.

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