Original Science Lesson:https://docs.google.com/document/d/1xjWtsbJ6tPvoTguMBM61ZWbRy_p_wZQv/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=104644019127419187808&rtpof=true&sd=true

Redesign Science Lesson: https://docs.google.com/document/d/17LK0Rwt7JRrO_lhknqMp3JXXAAIXchR3/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=104644019127419187808&rtpof=true&sd=true

I have decided to redesign a science lesson. Both my lessons motivate students by having them recall prior knowledge. In the first lesson, my students are looking at pictures of fruit flies. In my second lesson, I am using a Youtube video where students can see the difference between inherited traits and learned behaviors with a pet dog. I think the second lesson will engage students more because it is a video and it focuses on a pet, which many students can find relatable. In the video she also showcases how different animals learn new traits which is very valuable information. This video is a great intro to the lesson and would help students in the next part of the lesson.

In addition, my second lesson has the exploration step. This step proves to be more student centered because students are exploring the topic by relating it to themselves. On a Jamboard they will list their inherited traits versus the traits they have learned. In my previous lesson, students did not get this valuable exploration time. I chose Jamboard as another digital tool because the kids can take photos of themselves and then use the post-its to create a diagram of their inherited traits. For instance, they could point out the color of their eyes or the color of their hair.  So the kids would be engaged as they explore their own traits.

Next, students are introduced to the book in the explanation stage. The book is a valuable resource for both lessons. In the elaboration stage, students will get to create presentations. In my previous lesson, students worked in groups to teach their classmates about a particular animal. Students took on a different role in the group work. I do believe this jigsaw activity was a valuable learning experience, so I incorporated it into this lesson as well with some variation. I changed the role format. Now kids are teaching their friends at the table so they will create their own presentations. This way, I can assess how well each student understood the information. I think kids becoming the teachers is a great way for them to take ownership of their learning and keeps the lesson more student centered. The previous lesson had more collaboration, which is valuable. Kids do need to learn to work together and use each other’s strengths to help create the best product. But this new version still has some collaboration time when they teach their friends.

In both lessons, I am using UDL by giving students a choice on how they present. They can act, draw or code their presentation. Students can use Scratch. Scratch is a wonderful digital tool to help students show off their knew knowledge in a fun and engaging way. Students could incorporate photos of the animals and create an animation showing how the animal learns its new trait from the environment. Both lessons end with the students completing an exit slip to showcase their understanding of the new material. This will be part of the evaluation stage because I can assess how student learned about how different animals acquire traits from the environment.

Overall, I think both lessons are engaging. I do believe the 5es strengthened the previous lesson with the addition of the exploration using Jamboard. I think kids would love the time to explore and learn new things on their own.

Cited Sources:

• The original lesson is based on an Amplify Science lesson.
• How The Sparrow Learned Its Song by Channon Jackson, Ari Krackowski and Ashley Chase
• Youtube video is from Education Galaxy