Group+06+Amanda's+Activity

**Our Habitats!**

**Grade 4:** Habitats

**Technology**: GoogleDocs (online alternative to a word processing program)

**Subjects:** Science //integrating// Technology (option for Physical Education integration if observation period is lengthened, giving the opportunity for a short hike or outdoor activity)

**Outcomes** - Learn terminology of a habitat and its features - Demonstrate an understanding of online word processors - Work as a team to obtain a finished product - Carry out procedures to collect and organize data - Compile, display, and communicate data in a table - Identify a variety of local habitats and their associated plant and animal life

**Rationale:** In this lesson students will learn that many different habitats exist within their local community. They will then use this information to communicate and compare the habitats through an online word processor (GoogleDocs). This will stimulate their interest and enhance their learning of habitats through the integration of technology. Upon completion of this lesson students will be confident with manipulating GoogleDocs and working collaboratively online with their peers.

**Class one: Observations** The first class will be used for observation. Students will be taken to 4 distinct habitats (within range of each other) where they will be given an that will guide their examination of the environment. Students will be studying the plants and animals in the area as well as the abiotic factors such as sunlight and water. They will be given a full class period to study their habitat and gather as much information as possible.

<span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;">**Class Two: Minilessons - Terminology and GoogleDocs Procedures** <span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;">Upon returning to the classroom for the second class, two things will be taught. First, students will be given a brief lesson regarding habitat terminology that they may wish to include in their assignment. Learning words such as: biotic, abiotic, photosynthesis, climate, etc. Some of these terms will be vital in understanding the assigned work. Secondly, students will be given a lesson on how to use GoogleDocs and complete their assignment. This introductory lesson will be a presentation which will include exactly what will be given to students on their  in the next class. Before the class concludes the students will be divided into groups of four – representing one student from each habitat.

<span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;">**Class Three: Using GoogleDocs** <span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;">By this class the direct instruction has concluded and students begin to work on their assignments. This class is conducted in the computer room. Students will follow the steps given to them to create their own GoogleDocs account and work on their assignment. The teacher will be in the room answering any questions and giving suggestions to students.

<span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;">**Assessment** <span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;">Each group has been asked to add their teacher as a viewer to their assignment. This will give the teacher the opportunity to see which group member contributed what and what work has been completed. Students will be directly assessed on their understanding of the curriculum, their ability to work with GoogleDocs, and their contribution to their group.

<span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;"> <span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;">//Obviously could not be// //posted// //within GoogleDocs for class viewing unless every person in ED 3484 provided me with a gmail address. So, I've copied the final product into a word document for easy viewing.//