I wanted to share a lesson I created, so here's one of the latest

1. Learning Objectives

• In groups, the students will be able to identify 3 examples of their assigned shapes in nature using a digital camera.
• In groups, the students will be able to restate at least 3 attributes of their assigned shapes.
• In groups, the students will be able to construct a postcard with the pictures of their shapes using Posterino.

This activity, which is presented a test alternative, challenges students to use digital photography and imaging software to demonstrate their understanding of a given shape. As the students search out subjects for photos and create their postcards, they will be reinforcing their understanding of the shape. These objectives will focus on the students’ successful explanation of their shape and the evidence of understanding based on their photographs.; the use of the Posterino software is intended to simplify this process for the students.

This lesson meets the following state and national content area standards:

Florida Sunshine State Standards (3rd-5th)
-Geometry and Spatial Sense
--Standard 1:
---The student describes, draws, identifies, and analyzes two-and three-dimensional
shapes. (MA.C.1.2)
National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (3rd-5th)
-Geometry Standard for Grades 3–5
--Instructional programs from pre-kindergarten through grade 12 should enable all
students to analyze characteristics and properties of two- and three-dimensional
geometric shapes and develop mathematical arguments about geometric relationships.
---In grades 3–5 all students should identify, compare, and analyze attributes of two-
and three-dimensional shapes and develop vocabulary to describe the attributes.
National Education Technology Standards for Students
-Technology Productivity Tools
--Students use technology tools to enhance learning, increase productivity, and promote creativity.

2. Content Knowledge
This activity requires content knowledge not only in mathematics, but also in digital photography and the use of the Posterino software. To ensure students feel comfortable using the digital camera and the Posterino software, students will have the option to review a PowerPoint presentation explaining how to use the digital camera, which will provide them with basic information and tips, and PowerPoint presentation that demonstrates how to use the software, which will help them have a professional finished product. Since this activity is a summative assessment of the students’ understanding of specific shapes, they should have a sufficient content knowledge at this point in time.

3. Student Grouping
Since we have a limited access to digital cameras and computers, the students will work in groups to help reduce the demand on the technology. Additionally, students working in groups will have an opportunity for peer support.

4. Methods
In this activity, my mentor teacher and I will team-teach. This method will allow at least one of us to circulate among the students at all times.

5. Activities
Opening:
The teachers will explain the activity and show the students examples of quality work. The teachers should ask the students to tell her what some rules for the activity should be. If need be, the teachers can prompt the students by asking questions like, “what areas of the school should we stay in while we take our pictures” and “what about handling the camera”. As the students respond, the teachers should write the guidelines on the board. For their final product students will need at least one picture to illustrate each assigned shape. Group assignment will be at the discretion of the teachers. Before releasing the students, the teachers should distribute timers to each group and remind the students they will have ten minutes to go around the school and take pictures.

Main activity/activities:
The students will work in their groups taking pictures, while the teachers assist individuals as needed. As the students return, the teachers will upload their pictures into a folder with their names into iPhoto (this will make it much easier for the students to locate their photos later). The students will then use Posterino to add their photos to definitions of the shape (e.g. number of sides and formula for area).

Closing:
To end the activity, the teachers will ask the students to shutdown the computers on which they were working. The teachers will also remind the students that they may use their recess time or come in before or after school to complete their work if they have not done so already.

6. Materials
PowerPoint Presentations
“Digital Manual”
“Posterino How-to”
Overhead, Chalkboard, or Similar
Digital Cameras with USB Cords
Media Center Mini-lab
Demo of Posterino from on Mini-lab Computers (http://www.apple.com/downloads/macosx/imaging_3d/posterino.html)
PowerPoint Presentations on Mini-lab Computers

7. Evaluation
The teachers will evaluate student performance on an informal basis through out the activity. Teachers will have the students complete individual and group self-assessments that will be figured in with the points earned from their finished product, which will be scored with a rubric, to determine their final grade.