To be a learner means I continually seek to improve my practice by networking with other educators, finding and exploring the best pedagogical approaches and staying current with the newest  science and technology standards and strategies.  During my time at Washburn University I have had many opportunities to learn from others.  My goal for the immediate future is to elevate some of my current activities by adding more technologies that I have studied into my lesson plans.  Below, you will see artifacts I have created that reflect the ITSE standard #1 indicators.

Course Work and Classroom Projects

Periodic Table to the Dinner Table PBL Unit

In the spring of 2014 and 2015, our team of science teachers was given the task of creating a unit using the Project Based Learning method.  Our goal to was to combine many different standard outcomes to create a rich list of activities using proven pedagogical approaches. We measured success in a few different ways.

1. Here are copies of the student rubrics and student planning templates.
Oral Report Rubric
Group Planning Rubric
Infographic Rubric
Critical Friends Protocol

2. Here are copies of supporting materials used in teaching.
How It's Made Worksheet
Project PowerPoint

3. Here is a copy of our unit plan and timeline. There is also a copy of the standards.
Plan
Timeline
Standards

​StoryBoard That

Storyboard That is a wonderful tool that teachers can use with students that allow them the freedoms to express creativity over a subject area. It is a comic strip generator.  Recently, I taught a narrative chain about how the body senses pain from the extremities.  I wanted them to apply the knowledge they had learned from the narrative chain and link it to a personal experience.  They did this using this application. Below is my blog post review of StoryBoard That.  I have also included a student sample of a comic strip.

Blog Post

Student Sample

Image Source: 
​ http://www.edtechroundup.org/editorials--press/new-edtech-resource-storyboard-that-an-online-storyboard-creator

Curriculum Evaluation and Development

In the Spring of 2017, I wrote a few reflective pieces about the types of curriculum I come across in my profession. We used the book entitled Contemporary Curriculum in Thought and Action, by John McNeil You will see in my writing that I have had many learning experiences with curricular approaches because of my involvement in different science committees. I most identify with the Systems Approach to curriculum because it allows for an organized pathway in choosing and modifying curriculum and it allows for a deeper connection with all interested parties.  The Humanistic Approach however, allows my grade level team to evaluate the needs of each student in a more holistic way. I have learned that it is important to network with all interested parties to best address the educational plans we make for students.
Analysis of the Humanistic Approach

Curriculum Politics and Current Issues

Systemic Curriculum and the Achievement Gap
 
ImageSource: http://caddomath.org/curriculum