INSTRUCTIONAL UNIT/PROGRAM EVALUATION

Instructional Unit/Program Evaluation

Instructional Unit/Program Evaluation

A Unit On Whales: Combining Language Arts And Science

Author's Note

The purpose of this unit on whales is to capture the attention and motivate them to learn. They will learn about the different types of whales and their descriptions, behaviors and habitats and their importance in our environment. I am an Instructional Aide at a middle school and work with 6th graders. I have discovered different websites that will be very useful in my day to day job with the children. I was surprised to find so much information out there for children that a lot of people don't even know about. In the past I used the basic technology tools that the school provided, but now I am applying the new information I know into my job. I am also sharing these new techniques and tools to the teachers I work with.

This unit is designed to learn about the types of whales, baleen and toothed; several species of whales, their descriptions, behaviors and habitat; and their importance in our environment.

This unit last for six weeks. This unit is hoped that they will develop a true knowledge and appreciation for whales, as well as create finished products for which they will be proud of.

Understands how species depend on one another and on the environment for survival. Massachusetts English Language Arts Standards

Standard 3

Students adjust their use of spoken, written, and visual language (e.g., conventions, style, and vocabulary) to communicate effectively with a variety of audiences and for different purposes.

Standard

Students use a variety of technological and information resources (e.g., libraries, databases, computer networks, and video) to gather and synthesize information and to create and communicate knowledge.

Standard

Students use spoken, written, and visual language to accomplish their own purposes (e.g., for learning, enjoyment, persuasion, and the exchange of information).

Understanding a Text

Students will identify basic facts and main ideas in a text and use them as the basis for interpretation

Standard: Writing

Students will write with a clear focus, coherent organization, and sufficient detail.

Standard: Organizing Ideas in Writing

Students will organize ideas in writing in a way that makes sense for their purpose.

Curriculum Standard

Standard

Students will demonstrate the ability to recognize that animals (including humans) and plants are living things that help grow, reproduce, and need food, air, and water.

36-1 Describe how birds and reptiles have different physical adaptations (e.g. camouflage, senses, etc) and habitats that serve different functions in growth, survival and reproduction (i.e. evolution of whales)

National Educational Technology Standards (NETS) for Students

NETS Standard 3: Use developmentally appropriate multimedia resources (e.g., interactive books, educational software, elementary multimedia encyclopedias) to support learning

NETS Standard 4: Use general purpose productivity tools and peripherals to support personal productivity, remediate skill deficits, and facilitate learning throughout the curriculum. (3)

NETS Standard 5: Use technology tools (e.g., multimedia authoring, presentation, Web tools, digital cameras, and scanners) for individual and collaborative writing, communication, and publishing activities to create knowledge products for audiences inside and outside the classroom. (1, 3)

Unit Guiding Questions

What is a humpback whale?

What is the difference between baleen and toothed ...