Lindsey+Held+-+Gr.+6+Sky+Science+Assignment

  Hello Lindsey, I will be editing your page with this color of font. I really enjoyed this reading it, and anticipate it to be a very engaging lesson. I simply attached a rubric to the end, after reading your constellation research assignment handout and noticing the marking scheme. I don't know how big you are on rubrics, but it might come in handy when assigning the raw scores. Cheers! - Sean Horne

__Grade 6 Sky Science: Constellation Research Assignment__
This assignment is meant to enhance students' knowledge of the different constellations that can be found in the night sky, as well as the mythical and scientific information that accompanies many of these constellations. As students will be engaging in online research to complete this assignment, it is important to review proper research practices as well as the importance of citing references and avoiding plagiarism. Students will be given two class periods to work on this assignment, and this time will include an introduction/explanation of the assignment and designated research time. This lesson will be carried out in a classroom equipped with a Smartboard, and two laptop carts (containing 15 laptops each) will be booked so that the children can search the internet in the classroom setting for research purposes.
 * Abstract:**

GLO 6-7:** Observe, describe and interpret the movement of objects in the sky; and identify pattern adn order in these movements
 * __Science Objectives (Topic C - Sky Science):__
 * SLO** **2:** Describe the location and movement of individual stars and groups of stars (constellations) as they move through the night sky

C1:** Students will access, use and communicate information from a variety of technologies. 1.1 access adn retrieve appropriate information from electronic sources for a specific inquiry 1.2 process information from more than one source to retell what has been discovered 2.2 organize information gathered from the Internet, or an electronic source, by selecting and recording the data in logical files or categories; and by communicating effectively, through appropriate forms, such as speeches, reports and multimedia presentations
 * __ICT Objectives:__

1.3 organize information from more than one source
 * C4:** Students will use organizational processes and tools to manage inquiry

1.1 demonstrate courtesy and follow classroom procedures when making appropriate use of computer technologies 1.3 demonstrate appropriate care of technology equipment 2.4 document sources obtained electronically, such as web site addresses
 * C5:** Students will demonstrate a moral and ethical approach to the use of technology.

- 'Constellation Research Assignment' handout ([|Constellation Research Assignment Handout.doc]) - Smartboard/projector - Laptop Carts x2 (30 laptops) - Example PowerPoint Assignment ([|Pegasus- Constellation Assignment.ppt]) - Example Student Assignment
 * Lesson Materials and Resources:**

__**Lesson 1 Procedure:**__ (60 minute class)** || **Procedure** || minutes** || __Introduction:__ - remind students what we have been studying in science class for the past week by asking them what they already know/have learned about Sky Science ~have students raise hands with answers
 * **Time
 * **5-7

- ask if students know what a //constellation// is ~briefly discuss what a constellation is, have students provide examples of different constellations if they know any

- inform students that for the next couple of classes we will be exploring the different constellations by completing a research project

- state how the rest of the lesson will proceed; explanation of constellation assignment, research on laptops, clean up and closure || minutes** || __Explanation of Research Assignment:__ - hand out the 'Constellation Reaearch Assignment' expectations to the class
 * **10-13

- go over the requirements/expectations for the constellation research assignment ~Your assignment is to choose one of the 88 constellations that interests you, and research it ~During your research you must find answers to the following questions //1) What is the name of your constellation and what does the name mean? 2) What is the legend/story behind your constellation? 3) Is your constellation related to any other constellations? How are they connected? 4) Where and when is your constellation found in the night sky?// ~You must also find a picture of your constellation (at least one) and provide the names of some of the main stars that make up your constellation ~Once you have gathered all of your information, you must present it in a report ~The report must be written in paragraph form and you must make sure to put the information into your own words (plagiarism discussion) ~Your assignment also needs to include a Bibliography ~Your Bibliography should include the title and web address of each website you used to gather your information (for the purposes of this assignment, that will be enough information for the students' bibliography) ~You must find/use at least 2 different sources (websites, articles, etc.) for your report (for the information you gather)
 * (requirements will be shown on the Smartboard as they are reviewed)**

- explain the breakdown of marks for students

- show the example assignments to the class (the PowerPoint example, one or more student examples from previous classes)

- remind students to select a constellation which has enough information available to complete the assignment (they should be able to answer all of the questions/parts of the assignment) || minutes** || __Effective Internet Research:__ - **using the Smartboard**, access the internet and review with students how to effectively use search engines ~discuss the differences in search engines (Google, Yahoo, etc.) ~examine the differences in search results when you search for the constellation 'cancer' vs. 'cancer + constellation' vs 'constellations' ~suggest to students that once they have decided on the constellation they wish to research, they use it to refine their searches rather than just wandering around on general constellation webpages (i.e. 'cancer + constellation')
 * **10-15

- review with students how they can determine if they have found a good/credible information source

- discuss plagairism with students, how to avoid it ~suggest students take handwritten notes to avoid "copy/paste" plagairism problems ~if students are unsure whether or not they have put their information 'into their own words', they should read their report and think about whether or not that is how they would tell that information to a friend (would your friend understand your report?) They can also ask the teacher for assistance

- remind students about the laptop procedures and expectations for use || minutes** || __Student Research:__ - hand out laptops to the students (1 per student) and have them log into their school accounts and access the internet
 * **20-25

- inform students that if they have trouble finding websites using the search engines, they can explore the website suggestions provided on their assignment handout

- instruct students that for this research time they should be exploring the different constellations and deciding on which constellation they would like to research further (picking a constellation)

- circulate while students are researching, providing assistance and guidance where needed || minutes** || __Closure/Clean-up:__ - instruct students to log out of their accounts and shut down their laptops
 * **4-6

- have students replace their laptops in the laptop carts, making sure they include all cords, mouse, etc.

- remind students that next class will be entirely devoted to continuing their online research so they should come to class prepared to take notes on their chosen constellation || 1. Did students ask insightful questions that enhanced classroom discussions and furthered students' understanding of the assignment expectations? 2. Did students appropriately use the laptops and internt, and follow start-up/shut-down procedures? 3. Were students successfully able to particiapte in online research of constellations? (as observed during class time)
 * Assessment:**

(60 minute class)** || **Procedure** || minutes** || __Introduction:__ - remind students that last class we started working on our Constellation Research Assignment
 * __Lesson 2 Procedure:__**
 * **Time
 * **5-7

- ask if students have any questions about the assignment or the online research

- inform students that we will be spending the entire class period working on our online research for this assignment ~remind students to make sure that their research answers all of the questions on the assignment handout, and includes all of the additional parts (information, pictures, etc) that are required for the assignment ~remind students that they need to cite their online sources for their bibliography

- inform students that if they finish their research and still have class time left, they can begin working on their report ~remind students not to start something at school that they can't finish at home (i.e. PowerPoint presentation, etc.) || minutes** || __Student Research:__ - remind students about the laptop procedures and expectations for use
 * **45-50

- hand out laptops to students and have them sign into their school accounts and access the internet

- remind students that once they have chosen their constellation they should use it refine their web searches

- circulate while students are working, providing guidance and assistance as needed || minutes** || __Closure/Clean-up:__ - follow same clean-up procedure as in the previous lesson
 * **5-7

- remind students that this was the **last in class period** for them to work on their research ~any additional research that students do must now be done at home (or students can arrange times to come in and work on class computers)

- remind students about the due date for the finished report

-ask if there are any questions about the assignment, the research or anything else relating to the past two classes ||

1. Were students successfully able to complete the research portion of their Constellation Research Assignment? 2. Assessment outlines for the research assignment can be found on the class handout.
 * Assessment:**

** Research Project Rubric Constellation Research Assignment ** || **4**  ||  **3**  ||  **2**  ||  **1**  || ||  Information is organized with well constructed paragraphs content flows nicely to add clarity to reader. There are 1 or 2 minor grammatical, spelling or punctuation errors || Information is generally organized with only 1 or 2 problems separate ideas discussed in separate paragraphs content is generally clear to reader. There are 3 or 4 minor errors in punctuation, grammar and/or spelling which do not break the flow for the reader || 2 or 3 problems with organization of information separate ideas are not discussed in separate paragraphs reader must reread at times for clarity. There are 1 or 2 major errors in punctuation, grammar and/or spelling which do interrupt the flow for the reader || Information is disorganized gaps in content leave reader confused. There are a number of major errors in punctuation, grammar and/or spelling which make it difficult to read. || || Information clearly relates to questions posed in the assignment. 1 or 2 supporting details and/or examples are used to add interest. || information clearly relates to the questions posed in the assignment. 1 supporting detail and/or example in provided. || Information is not entirely related to questions posed in the assignment. no supporting details and/or examples provided || Information has little to do with the questions posed in the assignment. no supporting details and/or examples provided. || || Diagrams and illustrations are accurate and clearly relate to the questions posed in the assignment. They add interest to the content || Diagrams and illustrations are accurate and are related to the questions posed in the assignment. || Diagrams and illustrations where present are neither neat nor entirely accurate they don’t add much to the content. || Diagrams and illustrations where present are neither neat nor accurate; and they don’t appear to relate to the questions posed in the introduction. || || All sources are accurately documented and in the desired format 2 or more sources were used || All sources are accurately documented and in the desired format 1 or 2 sources were used || All sources are accurately documented Only 1 source was used. || Attempt to document source used is not completely accurate Only 1 source was used. || No Sources ||
 * **Criteria** || **5**
 * **Neatness/**
 * Writing**
 * (x5)** || Information is very organized with well constructed paragraphs content follows a logical sequence which adds clarity to reader. There are no grammatical, spelling or punctuation errors
 * **Quality of Information**
 * (x8)** || Information clearly relates to questions posed in the assignment. 3 or 4 unique, creative supporting details and/or examples are used which add interest to reader
 * **Diagrams**
 * (x4)** || Diagrams and illustrations are neat, accurate and clearly relate to the questions posed in the assignment. They provide additional insight to the content
 * **Bibliography**
 * (x3)**