Friday, June 21, 2013

Measuring Penny a Second Grade Lesson

Measuring Penny by Loreen Leedy provides an amazing backdrop for teaching second grade common core math standards.  Below you'll find a lesson plan that does just that!  I had a great time creating this lesson. I created this on the tail wind of a STEM class.  The focus of this class was inquiry based learning and student ownership. This lesson  dives into those concepts by encouraging student ownership of story problems, aka learning tasks.  The powerpoint for this lesson can be accessed via Author Stream or my wiki page.



Measuring Penny


More PowerPoint presentations from Charity Dowell


Unit Lesson Plan
Measuring Penny
Second Grade, Common Core Learning Task
Standard
2.MD.A.1  Measure the length of an object by selecting and using appropriate tools such as rulers, yardsticks, meter sticks, and measuring tapes.
2.MD.A.2  Measure the length of an object twice using length units of different lengths for the two measurements: describe how the two measurements relate to the size of the unit chosen.
2.MD.A.4  Measure to determine how much longer one object is than another, express the length difference in terms of a standard length unit.
2.MD.B.5 Use addition and subtraction within 100 to solve word problems involving lengths that are given in the same units, e.g. by using drawings (such as drawings of rulers) and equations with a symbol for the unknown number to represent the problem.
Student Objective Statement:
I can measure using standard units (inches/centimeters).
I can choose appropriate tools.
I can create story problems using addition and subtraction strategies.
I can solve story problems using words, pictures, and equations.
I can record data on a table.
Essential questions:
When is measurement used at school? At home? The larger world?
Related questions:
How do I use tools to measure and compare objects?
How do I use addition and subtraction when measuring?
Activities & Sequencing:
Hook/Engage (5 mins):
Whole group, small group, & Independent work:
1.Set the purpose by introducing the Book Measuring Penny & having students complete a quick review to access prior knowledge through the following sites using iPods, iPads or computers.http://www.harcourtschool.com/activity/length_strength3/  http://www.rickyspears.com/rulergame/
2.Whole group, read Measuring Penny (5-10 mins).
3.Whole group, complete chart on slide 3. Identify measuring tools and what was measured from the story (5 mins).
4.Measuring Activity #1, slides 5-6: Introduce step #1, Review expectations for cooperative learning time, partner assignments and mathematical practices.  Students break into groups to measure 5 different classroom items using a non standard unit, aka dog biscuits (10-15mins).
5.Whole group, introduce step 2 of Activity #1. Think, Pair, & Share with partners to complete step #2 (10-15 mins).
6.Measuring activity 2 (centimeters), slides 7-8.  This may be completed at a separate time or day (10-15 mins).
7.Measuring activity 3 (inches), slides 9-10.  This may be completed at a separate time or day (10-15 mins).
8.Reread Measuring Penny.  Using a stuffed animal brought from home, students will complete the learning task on slides 11-12. The actual student created problems can be treated as an exit slip or cumulative project depending on the assessment purpose, formative or summative (20-30 mins)

Monday, June 17, 2013

Oh My! What's the Matter... a STEM Lesson

Last week, I embarked on a two week journey through STEM thanks to a wonderful grant through ETSU.

And... Oh My! I have a STEM unit plan on the states of matter to share.  This is a second grade unit plan using math & reading common core and TN state science standards.  

The format is NOT the TEAM model.  Instead it follows a more philosophical model designed by ETSU.  However, with just a little tweaking and shuffling it can be relabeled to match the TEAM model.  

This resource consists of one word document and two power points. All three can be accessed though my wiki. 

Oh My! What's the Matter? STEM Lesson

Moving Into Math Stations

I am officially committed to implementing Math Stations in a new way.  I have bought 10 clear tubs and cleaned a shelf.  In teacher terms that means I am in whole hog, because I spent $10.  There's no turning back.  Math Stations are going to have their own designated time and space in my classroom.


June 3rd and 6th, I worked with some fabulous SCDE teachers to completed a book study PD using Debbie Diller's "Moving Into Math Stations."  It was a fabulous opportunity to connect & collaborate with colleagues.  There were some enlightening discussions that really set a fire and desire to implement Math Stations. 

While the idea of Math Stations isn't new, I have generally just Incorporated a couple of stations during Daily 5 / Literacy Stations.  In the up coming year, each math station will have a specific skill focus with 3-5 activity choices. Check out the resources below for more details.

A second big idea that has affected my personal pedagogy is the use a workshop format lessons.  I am looking forward to expanding on this idea using common core this year. 

Resources used for Moving Into Math Stations PD, Summer 2013:
Prezi discussion guides
In addition to Debbie's DVD, we watched videos from The Teaching Channel website.
Classroom Management During Centers
We accessed several useful sites for templates and activities to actually make and take centers.
Tennessee Trending Teacher Wiki
Inside Mathematics, standards & tasks
Common Core Live Binder
K-5 Math Teaching Resources
Station Templates
We hit on the 8 all important mathematical practices as well.
8 Mathematical Practices Posters
Finally, we explored some amazing teacher blogs.
Station(center) lesson pans for first grade - Mrs. Schnuck's site
Launching stations overview - Mrs Parker's Learning Blog
Just a great resource - The Math Penguin


 SCDE Summer PD 2012