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July 26, 2015

Presented by: Milagros Acosta

Dear School Board,

Below you will see a copy of a lesson plan using technology in the classroom. As I believe
standardized testing is important to measure students knowledge, I also believe that students
should be informed and educated in a more creative way (making them think outside the box),
than a conventional way (lecture and questions). I believe the use of technology in the classroom
can lead the students to success.
According to Indiana University study everyone processes and learns new information in
different ways. There are three main cognitive learning styles: visual, auditory, and kinesthetic.
The common characteristics of each learning style can help the learner understand how they
learn and what methods of learning best fits them. Hera are some examples how the use of
technology and be integrated in the classroom too fit the needs of the learners: Auditory learner
(learner would rather listen to things being explained than read about them) in this type of
learning, students will benefit from audio books, and software to help the teacher create an audio
lecture. Visual learner (learners learn best by looking at graphics, charts or watching a
demonstration or reading) for this type of learning students will benefit from the use of
projectors and graphic power points. Finally, the kinesthetic learner (learners best process the
information through a hand-on experience) is doing an activity such as creating conceptual
maps or games through the use of software.
Since most of the learners tend to have the three learning styles, teachers can incorporate the use
of technology to emphasis each learning style through a lecture. An example of how teachers
could incorporate technology is through a lesson plan they have created. The students will need a
computer with software installed with power point, students will also need access to the internet
for further research. My lesson plan will cover some material in science area Astronomy
students will need to create a brochure to try to persuade people from earth to visit the planet of
their choice. Through this project and visual learner will most likely create a power point with
animation or insert pictures which will also help a kinesthetic learner absorb the material.
Please accept this proposal as a way of discouraging you to not discontinue the use of artifacts
and technology in the classroom. Since technology has become a major power tool for learners
success.
I think its fair to say that personal computers have become the most empowering tool weve
ever created. Theyre tools of communication, theyre tools of creativity, and they can be shaped
by their users. (Bill Gates)

The Computer technology standards in the district, State and national challenge is to
transform the current education model with modern tools, strategies, and learning resources to
prepare our young learners for their futures.
Computer Technology Standards in the District
Productivity tools: students use appropriate productivity tools including but not limited to word
processing, spread sheet, database, multimedia and telecommunications.
Research Tools: Students use various technology tools to research information and evaluate its
accuracy and appropriateness in order to solve problems and make decisions.
Tools and Processes: Students will identify, apply concepts, and manage various tools and
resources to evaluate their accuracy and appropriateness in solving problems and making
decisions.
Systems: Students will recognize that systems are made up of individual components and that
each component affects the operation of the system and its relationship with other systems.
Implication on Society: Students will evaluate the impact and ethical implication on individuals,
society and the environment.
Nevada Computer and Technology Standards (State)
Is built around the notion of technology integration that suggests that the teaching of
technology skills in isolation is not as effective as when technology is used in context. The
content for each standard is derived from the subject content into which the standard and the
technology is integrated.
Technology should be integrated into all subject areas and therefore, this document can be used
as a guide for standards revision committees in other content areas for the purpose of integrating
technology into their standards.
Assist district and school staff in the development of curriculum that will help build the bridge
that invites millennial learners to be successful, engaged, classroom learners.
National Technology Standards
Knowledge of content: Computer Science Educators demonstrate knowledge of Computer
Science content and model important principles and concepts. Such a demonstrating knowledge
of and proficiency in data presentation and abstraction.
Effective teaching and learning strategies: Computer Science Educators demonstrate effective
content pedagogical strategies that make the discipline comprehensible to students. Through
designing activities that requires students to effectively describe computing artifacts and
communicate results using multiple forms of media.

Effective Learning Environments: Computer science educators apply their knowledge of

learning environments by creating and maintaining safe, ethical, supportive, fair, and effective
learning environments for all students. Planning for equitable and accessible classroom, lab, and
online environments that support effective and engaging learning.
Effective Professional knowledge and skills: Computer science educators demonstrate
professional knowledge and skills in their field and readiness to apply them. Demonstrating
knowledge of evolving social and research issues relating to computer science and computer
science education.
Core Standard (Science)
Disciplinary Core Ideas: Earth & Space Science. In the technology standard for the district
students will meet the tools and processes standards: Students will identify, apply concepts, to
evaluate their accuracy and appropriateness in solving problems and making decisions. I the
national technology standard students will meet the knowledge of content standard students will
demonstrate knowledge of content and model important principles and concepts. In the Nevada
computer standard the content for each standard is derived from the subject content into which
the standard and the technology is integrated.
Crosscutting Concepts: Cause and Effect, mechanism and explanation in the technology
standard for the district students will recognize that systems are made up of individual
components and that each component affects the operation of the system and its relationship with
other systems. On the other hand, the National technology standard will demonstrate knowledge
and model important principles and concepts. Such a demonstrating knowledge of and
proficiency in data presentation and abstraction.
Science & Engineering Practice: Planning and carrying out investigations. The science lesson
plan will also be meeting the computer technology standard for the district Research Tools,
students will use technology to research information and evaluate its accuracy and
appropriateness in order to solve problems and make decisions. In the National Technology
Standards students will apply Effective Professional knowledge and skills demonstrating
knowledge of evolving social and research issues relating to computer science and computer
science education. In the Nevada Computer and Technology standard students will use
technology to integrate the subject areas.

 Name of lesson: The Solar System.

Grade Level Appropriateness: Middle School
Technology Content Standard Addressed: The lesson will meet the CCSD technology
education standard #2 Productivity tools: students will use appropriate productivity tools
including but not limited to word processing, spread sheet, database, multimedia and
telecommunications.
Other Content Standard Addressed: The science lesson plan will also be meeting the
computer technology standard for the district Research Tools, students will use technology to
research information and evaluate its accuracy and appropriateness in order to solve problems
and make decisions. In the National Technology Standards students will apply Effective
Professional knowledge and skills demonstrating knowledge of evolving social and research
issues relating to computer science and computer science education. In the Nevada Computer
and Technology standard students will use technology to integrate the subject areas.
Objective: Students will have a basic understanding of our Solar System, and the planets that
make-up our Solar System. Students will also be able to use researching tools like Google, Gale,
ABC-CLIO, and Ebsco. Students will also understand how to cite their sources, and will use the
website citation machine to help.
Materials needed to facilitate the lesson: Warm-up/exit question paper, pencils/pens, student
notebooks/paper for information they researched, iPads that have internet to research, computers
that contain Microsoft PowerPoint, color printers.
Suggested group size: 2 students for research, each student will turn in their own project.
Procedures:
Day 1: Teacher will (T.W.) have students complete a short warm-up on their warm-up papers
they pick-up on the table next to the front door as they walk into the classroom. Students will
(S.W.) complete warm-up and will be timed 5 minutes (5 minute timer will be projected to the
front of the classroom on the LCD projector using the website onlinestopwatch.com) to complete
warm-up, in which they answer questions about the Solar System. S.W. be graded on completion
of the warm-up, not necessarily if their answer is right or wrong the teacher encourages student
feedback and open discussion when completing warm-up. After spending about 5 minutes
completing warm-up with class (in which teacher will go over warm-up and GIVE the students
the correct answers after each warm-up question, all regarding the Solar System), teacher will
have students pick a partner. Student must pick a partner that has the same interest in one of the
planets in our Solar System (for example, a student would partner-up with another classmate who
is interested in the planet Mars). Each student will be then given an iPad to research and write
down notes about that planet they are studying (the only planet students cant research is Earth).
S.W. need to write down information pertaining to what that planet is made of, how big/small is
the planet, what type of interesting characteristics are on that planet (mountains, are their rings
around it, etc.), how far is that planet from Earth. S.W. be encouraged to work on getting more

information at home and research using their phones, home computers, and talking to parents
(who could drive them to the library to research that planet with books and computers at the
library). Before students leave, on the back of the warm-up paper students will complete an exit
question. The exit question will be to write down three interesting facts about the planet they
have researched. When the bell rings, students will turn in their warm-up/exit sheets in that
periods turn-in basket (for example, period 1 will turn their work in period 1, period 2 will turn
their work in period 2, etc. Students know which period they are in and what basket to turn in).
T.W. assist students when they need help, and will announce when there is 10 minutes left of
class, 5 minutes left of class, etc. When there is 5 minutes left of class, teacher will have students
turn in iPads so the next class can use them for their research.
Day 2: T.W. have students complete a short warm-up on their warm-up papers they pick-up on
the table next to the front door as they walk into the classroom. S.W. complete warm-up and will
be timed 5 minutes (5 minute timer will be projected to the front of the classroom on the LCD
projector using the website onlinestopwatch.com) to complete warm-up, in which they will write
down five interesting facts about the planet they researched S.W. be encouraged to use notes
from previous days/homework research. S.W. be graded on completion of the warm-up, not
necessarily if their answer is right or wrong the teacher encourages student feedback and open
discussion when completing warm-up. After spending about 5 minutes completing warm-up with
class, T.W. assign students to a computer (which are located on the side and back of the
classroom). T.W. will then get all the students attention and go over the project they will
complete. S.W. complete a project using Microsoft PowerPoint in which they will create a
brochure trying to persuade others to visit the planet they researched. T.W. demonstrate a
completed brochure (showing what he/she completed so students know what they are creating,
where to add information/pictures, etc.). Pretending its 500 years in the future (the year 2515),
what is so cool and interesting about the planet you researched that would want somebody to
visit? USE YOUR IMAGINATION!!! Even though the planet Mercury is too close to the Sun for
humans to see today, lets pretend we can visit that planet in the year 2515. What is on that planet
that humans could see? Use your imagination and have fun! S.W. be graded on what they learned
from the research of that planet. There will be no exit question today, S.W. print their brochures
and fold so it looks like a real brochure. Students will have to cite their sources on the back of
the brochure using M.L.A. format. S.W. be encouraged to add pictures they researched online
from that planet and add it to the brochure. If students dont finish in class, they can take home
and complete for homework (make sure they e-mail it or save it to their flash-drives). T.W. assist
students when they need help, and will announce when there is 10 minutes left of class, 5
minutes left of class, etc. When there is 2 minutes left of class, teacher will have students log off
of computer and gather their materials so they are not late for their next class.

Assessment: Students will be given a rubric which details what exactly is needed for the
brochure. Information on the brochure has to be accurate, and cant be not real. Brochure has
to contain at least 5 pictures from the planet, and uses 3 animation pictures from PowerPoint that

will grab your attention. Students will also be graded on citing their sources on the back of their
brochure.