Middle school teaming
requires that the same group of teachers share the same group of students housed in the
same part of the facility for the same block of daily instructional time.
However, no school configuration is the same. Educators need to look at resources
and develop strategies that utilize available technologies in their instruction.
This may require restructured classrooms. Successful implementation of technology-
enhanced instruction relies on the ability of the teacher to organize well-structured
workstations and projects, as well as have a clear understanding of a variety of
technology-based resources, see Technology Connections.
When teachers network and allow students to use technologies available in every classroom,
the resources are maximized. Students can even effectively utilize unused computers
in classrooms where instruction is taking place.
Multitasking and use of workstations maximizes the utilization of available technologies. This allows the teacher to be the facilitator by being where s/he is most needed at any given time.
Examples
of Multi-tasking Science: Positively Trashy
Select frames and
movie segments from a DVD/laserdisc to show the impact of litter on the environment,
target paper recycling. Print the barcodes of visuals to use during the class
presentation.
Prepare an
environmental brochure, using a desktop publisher, that explains ways to reduce and
recycle solid waste, target metals.
Create a manual
database of ways to reuse discarded materials, concentrate on plastics. Enter data
into an electronic database. All students will use this information to answer
questions applying filtering, sorting, and searching skills.
Use a word
processor to create a step-by-step guide for composting. Describe how to compost and
included diagrams and original graphics.
Redesign packages
to reduce wrapping and make them more environmentally friendly. Rank a crate of
packaged products according to amounts of excessive wrappings. Select two of the
worst designed packages to redesign. Using a spreadsheet, create a circle graph to
show the percentage of package materials in our solid waste. Also, create a
comparison of the old package materials with the new designs.
Design and publish
an environmental newspaper using a word processor. Include an article about the
“Positively Trashy” day and an article about glass reuse and recycling.
Examples of Workstations
Geometry: Use Tabs
software to create nets of an object that has two or more geometric shapes. Be sure
to look at the wire and solid views. When the object is completed and colored, print
and construct.
Problem Solving:
Using Inspiration, illustrate how your team would send a distress signal to three rescue
teams. Look at page 12 of Alone in the Desert and indicate all the specific things
that could be used to attract the attention of the rescuers.
EOG Review: Decide
which two computer tests you will take from Chapters 3 – 9. You all know the
process and the scoring system. Mr. Gurley will need to record the score.
Review: Select
DVD video segments, create math word problems, and solve. Use the video blackboard
to write the question and save. Create barcodes and print.
History: Use the
Internet to complete the web portion of the Williamsburg WebQuest. All team
computers have the harvested website.
Writing:
Create journal entries using a word processor. Save on your personal diskette.
