Reviewer’s Name: Jennifer Molfese Date: Fall 2009

Name of Learning Experience: Electricity and Magnetism(Fourth Grade Science Lesson)

Author of Learning Experience: Lesley-Anne Kasperczyk

Warm Comments Cool Comments

1)Relation to Standards
  • The lesson is aligned with the NYS learning standards MST Standard 4-The Physical Setting and ELA Standard 3- Students will read, write, listen, and speak for critical analysis and evaluation.
/ 1) Relation to Standards
  • Essential question is unclear. Possible question: How doeselectricity and magnetism interact with us when it is all around us? This idea is taken from your reflection.

2) Intellectual Challenge
  • Developmentally appropriate for 4th grade students.
  • The skills and strategies taught in this lesson build upon prior knowledge and skills.
  • The reflection is insightful and provides a good review of the learning experience.
  • Student quote is powerful “I actually get this stuff and it’s cool!”
/ 2) Intellectual Challenge
  • Could you expand the rationale to include more specific knowledge and skills?
  • Could you connect this to a resource in the community?

3) Assessment Plan
  • Great use of terms: Magnet-ficent, Zap it to Perfection, The Force is Almost with You, and Add a Little More Charge.
  • Teacher comments and explanation of level are accurate and well-developed.
  • Student self-assessment (checklist) is included.
/ 3) Assessment Plan
  • Could you convert the fractions to percents on the pre and post tests?
  • Adding the numerical value to the words on the rubric would be helpful for the reader.

4) Engagement
  • Students get to use their interests and background knowledge of Jeopardy to connect to this learning experience.
  • Students work independently and cooperatively to complete the activities.
/ 4) Engagement
  • Could you use another science term instead of magnets for the teacher exemplar?
  • Could you ask students to recall information about their interactions with electricity and magnetism before writing the poem?

5) Adaptability
  • Students use their knowledge of two content areas: Science and ELA.
  • Students are given multiple class periods to complete work if needed.
  • Students use a variety of learning styles including; individual, cooperative, and competitive learning.
/ 5) Adaptability
  • Could you offer students some choices of a final product? Maybe another related term for the acrostic poem or a short story incorporating the terms instead.
  • Were students given a ruler to make straight lines? This is an assessed skill and some students may need assistance in completing this part of the task.

6) Technology Integration
  • Great website integration: Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? , Electricity and Magnetism Hangman and The Magic School Bus Gets Charged video.
/ 6) Technology Integration
  • Could the students also play the Jeopardy review game online for extended practice?
  • Students could type the poems on the computer for a final copy.
  • Instead of the term “hangman” could you another phrase?Example: draw a shape instead: tree (trunk, leaves, 4 branches, 4 apples, etc.).

Additional Comments:

Lesley, what a great learning experience! I enjoyed reading through the entire LE and I can see using this for my fourth grade students next year. Thanks for all of your hard work!

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