Olga Gonzalez

Instructor Schmauder
Instructional Technology
October 12, 2014

Student Technology Task Cards
PART ONE: RAFT TASK CARDS
Photosynthesis
ROLE (student) AUDIENCE FORMAT TOPIC
Row 1 A sunflower in a
scripted play
Classmates and
parents
Script of the play Photosynthesis
of Sunflowers
Row 2 Sunlight Class and teacher Fictional,
detailed story
You travel
through the
process of
photosynthesis in
flowers and tell
the story of your
adventure.
Row 3 Chloroplast Family members Short Essay You talk about
what is important
of your role as
the chloroplast of
the flower.

Row 1:

Objective:
You will learn how a plant uses photosynthesis to create food for itself and store energy

Student Role:
A sunflower in a scripted play

Audience:
Classmates and parents

Format:
A script in a play

Topic:
Photosynthesis of Sunflowers
Directions:
1 You will design a 4-page script, double-spaced on your role of a sunflower in the
photosynthesis process.
2 You may use dialogue and narration throughout the script
3 Create a costume that represents a sunflower in your play
4 You may use two other people in your play.
5 Memorize the script and rehearse in front of your friends/family.
6 You will not be able to use any note cards nor your script during the play.
7 Have fun!

Resources:
Photosynthesis
http://www.biology4kids.com/files/plants_photosynthesis.html

An Overview of Photosynthesis
http://www.phschool.com/science/biology_place/biocoach/photosynth/overview.html

Study Jams: Photosynthesis
http://studyjams.scholastic.com/studyjams/jams/science/plants/photosynthesis.htm

Assessment:

1 Prepare a 4-page script, double-spaced on your role as a sunflower. Use the websites for
help on the content.
2 You will be graded on presentation, content, and creativity. (30 points each).

Row 2:

Objective: You will learn the process of photosynthesis and the role of sunlight throughout the
process.

Student Role:
Sunlight

Audience:
Class and teacher

Format:
Fictional, detailed narrative story

Topic:
You travel through the process of photosynthesis in flowers and tell the story of your adventure.

Directions:
1 You will create a 3-page story narrative talking about your adventure through the
photosynthesis process as sunlight
2 Include great content and facts about photosynthesis using the websites
3 Have a story ready to read out loud in front of your classmates
4 Wearing a costume and bringing props are optional.

Resources:
Photosynthesis
http://www.nhptv.org/natureworks/nwepphotosynthesis.htm

UCSB Science Line
http://scienceline.ucsb.edu/getkey.php?key=2264

ASK
http://www.ask.com/science/sunlight-needed-photosynthesis-a1544634a2711a20

Assessment:
1 Prepare a 3-page, double-spaced narrative story on your adventure travel as sunlight in
photosynthesis
2 Practice reading aloud for when you present in front of the class.
3 You will be graded on content, presentation, and creativity. (30 points each)

Row 3:
Objective:
You will learn how a plant uses photosynthesis to create food for itself and store energy

Role (student):
Chloroplast

Audience:
Family members

Format:
Short Essay

Topic:
You talk about what is important of your role as the chloroplast of the flower.

Directions:
1 You will research the role of the chloroplasts role in the photosynthesis process.
2 You will then write a one page short essay on what you learned (including citations for
any quotes)
3 You will practice in front of your family members on reading aloud

Resources:
Cell Structure: Chloroplast
http://www.biology4kids.com/files/cell_chloroplast.html

Chloroplast
http://www.sciencedaily.com/articles/c/chloroplast.htm

Chloroplasts
http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/biology/chloroplast.html

Assessment:
1 You will be graded entirely on your short essay and what you have learned about
chloroplasts
2 You will get up to 30 points on your essay for completeness, format, and content



PART TWO: Section Four Essay

Technology rules seems like it rules the world nowadays and it can be difficult for
instructors to maintain their old habits of traditional lesson plans. Students are more susceptible
to staying focused during a lesson when it involves some sort of video presentation or
educational game. Today information is easily accessed thanks to the internet. Meanwhile,
online courses are accessible to the students who are unable to attend traditional educational
buildings because of health or other complications. (Paul Smith). I believe that utilizing
technology in our daily lesson plans can be very efficient and helpful because technology makes
things a lot easier for everyone. Also, using the internet helps in showing different ideas on how
to approach a lesson plan with technological tools. Web tools, for example, make lectures more
interesting and very much organized than having to write on the chalkboard, where half the
students sitting in the back are not able to see what it written. In addition, presentations can be
more creative with one of my favorite tools to use, which would be Microsoft Powerpoint. It is
very easy to access and creates wonderfully organized presentation lectures where the instructor
can include several links and animations all in one place.
The disadvantages in using technology during instruction might be very few. First of all,
we are aware that technology can sometimes fail and things do not want to turn on for some
reason, so we lose out on the lesson. That is the reason why teachers should always have a back-
up plan when it comes to any situation like that. Also, students get too attached to technological
devices that they do not see any other way of learning. With spell check and automatic
technology, simple knowledge and calculations are done for most people. While this does save
time and effort, it causes many individuals to become dependent on technology, which can be
problematic in situations without modern advancement.(Juliet Harpe). I think it is necessary to
have mixed lessons and not only use the same format all the time. An instructor can have where
one day they can have discussions and questions answered on the white boards or on paper; and
then, they can turn in the papers for credit. One day can be an educational game day with flash
cards or something similar to it.
Using the internet and web tools with instruction makes it more fun and intriguing for
students and easier lesson planning on the instructors. Students can have days where they can
work on their assignments in the computer lab in the schools library. In doing so, teachers are
able to monitor the class and observe their progress with their assignments. Throughout the
school year, teachers can continually enforce the importance of internet safety and what the
consequences are for plagiarism and unethical decisions. We must also remember that online
is much more than spending time on the computer. Now smart phones and even video games are
completely connected to the outside world. Parents must understand that if the ability exists for
communication with children, predators are there. (childrescuenetwork). Keeping a strict
regime will help ensure the students are focused on what they need to accomplish and less on
goofing off with their classmates. Student-centered technology involves many aspects of school
databases where students are able to research information on essay topics and journal articles
which are sure to be reliable resources. There are hundreds of educational websites students can
use when researching for assignments and learning about their topic.







































References


Harpe, Juliet. The Disadvantages of Modern Technology. eHow. Demand Media, Inc.: 1999.

Web. 12 October 2014.
Smith, Paul. Great Benefits Of Technology In Education. EdTechReview. Web. 12 October
2014.
Internet Safety. Child Rescue Network, 2014. Web. 12 October 2014.