Web Log for May 22

In Tuesday's class, we began with a review of searching topics on the internet. Some of the things discussed were using search engines such as Google to do a general topic search on items such as "planets". We also discussed the uses of Deep Web searches for areas like academic or technical indexes and articles. We then began to talk about the Web Iquiry projects and how it puts students in charge of placing the research questions. We were also shown how the JCPS website has sections for homework assistance, ways to cite sources, and practicing skills with games. Being a math teacher, I can fully see the use of having interesting ways for students to be taught and practice their skills on-line.

For our web inquiry project, Justin and I have switched our topic to teaching scale factor. We felt that it would be a more interesting topic to use on iMovies and that students could be excited about researching different objects, their heights, and how they compare to the objects that they researched. We have included an activity sheet for an internet scavenger hunt, and a lesson plan for the assignment, so the lesson will have structure and the activities will be balanced. We are starting the iMovie with a clip from the movie "The Incredible Hulk" to give an example of scale factor, which leads into a description of what scale factor is. Then the students go to work, researching different objects and their comparison to the student as a scale factor. All in all, it is a fun activity for the students to learn about.