Life-Science


 * With this lesson, it is important to understand that the students should have been given some prior experience with GPS devices and understand what geocaching is.

Subject: Life Science Unit Title: Cells Lesson Title: Geocaching Review on Cells Lesson Objectives: 1. Students will review concepts in the cell unit in a unique way 2. Students will learn how to use GPS systems and understand the concept of geocaching Content and Strategies: Activating activities – Students will enter the room and the GPS units will be out on the front table in the classroom. Students will immediately begin to ask questions and get excited about the new technology. Inform them that we will be reviewing for tomorrow’s test outside with GPS technology. Instruct them to have a piece of paper and a pencil in front of them. If students are not already in groups, have them form groups of 3-4 students. To engage the students as to what they will be doing, have a sample cache setup in the classroom and use the GPS units to find it.

Body of Lesson (Learning for Today) The students will number their papers from 1-10. The GPS units will already have the coordinates for the caches loaded in them. Explain to the students that they will be going outside to find various caches. Once they find them, the students will need to answer the review question that is in the cache and put it beside the number on their paper. At the end of the class, let them know that we will be going over all of the answers to see how they did. Once the students are comfortable with the activity, take them outside to start looking for the caches.

Closure Go over the review questions and discuss with the students how successful they were with the GPS devices. Ask for feedback and see if the students want to use them again.

Materials Needed Clipboards, notebook paper, pencils, GPS units with carrying cases, hidden caches with coordinates, review questions on cells

Strategies Used Hands-on activity-based learning, corporative groups, reviewing for tests

Pennsylvania Standards: Academic Standards for Science and Technology

3.3.7.B – Describe the cell as the basic structural and functional unit of living things. Students will be able to compare life processes at the organism level with life processes at the cell level. Students will identify the levels of organization from cell to organism. Students will explain that cells and organisms have particular structures that underlie their functions. National Technology Standards (NETS) Facilitate and Inspire Student Learning and Creativity - Students will be involved in an exciting exploratory learning environment using technology tools to help them understand and apply concepts of science. Students will be able to reflect upon their learning experience and share their knowledge in a creative manner.

Design and Develop Digital-Age Learning Experiences and Assessments - Students will be able to demonstrate what they have learned and share it with their peers using a variety of digital tools and resources.