ND Curriculum Initiative

Subject & Standards

Needs Assessment/Rational

The 2004 Terra Nova testing results show a 58% low to moderate result in computation and estimation. My goal is to increase the first grade percentage to 90% in the high range.

Understandings & Goals

Enduring Understanding: I want my students to be able to understand math concepts and use appropriate communications skills in everyday life. Learning Goal(s): The students will explore their five senses while participating in pumpkin activities. The students will utilize observation skills.

Questions Answered

Essential questions: 1.What do we know about pumpkins? 2.What do we want to know about pumpkins? 3.What can we do with pumpkins? 4.What will we find inside the pumpkin? 5.How can we find the weight of the pumpkin? 6.How can we find the circumference of the pumpkin? 7.How will size matter in weight and the number of seeds in a pumpkin? Learning Objectives: The students will make predictions and describe the pumpkin using 3 of their 5 senses. The students will brainstorm a list of 15 describing words to describe the pumpkin. The students will use the computer program “Kid Pix” to design their pumpkin face with all facial features in the appropriate place with 100% accuracy. The students will listen to pumpkin stories & discuss what they have learned about pumpkins with 95% accuracy.

Assessment

What quiz and test items (e.g. simple content-focused questions that require a single, best answer) will provide evidence of understanding? The students will fill out their prediction/observation form and booklet. The students will complete a test based on information we have learned. What academic prompts (e.g. open-ended questions or problems that require students to think critically and then to prepare a response / product / performance) will provide evidence of understanding? KWL Students will discuss what they know, what they want to know, and what they have learned about pumpkins in whole group discussion. As a group we will fill out a KWL Chart. What performance tasks and projects (e.g. complex challenges that are authentic, mirror the real world and require a performance or product) will you include that will provide evidence of student understanding? Using their pumpkin book the students will make estimates of the pumpkins, circumference; using yarn, number of grooves, weight, and number of seeds. After estimating, they will measure the circumference of the pumpkin with the yarn they cut and determine if it is too short, just right, or too long. In the assigned groups the students will count the number of grooves on their pumpkin, weigh their pumpkin and count the seeds. Once the information is gathered the students will record the information in their book next to the estimate. In the school’s computer lab the students will use the program “Kid Pix” to design a jack o lantern. I will then have students describe their pumpkin and I will type the information below the picture they have created. I will incorporate all the students pictures and create a slide show in the “Kid Pix” program. During parent teacher conferences, parents may view the slide show while they wait. Finally, each group will design their face for their jack o lantern. I will carve each pumpkin to match the groups drawing. Students will then take a photo of their jack o lantern using the schools digital camera. Each student will print his/her picture and bring the picture home to share with their family. What other evidence (e.g. observations, work samples, dialogues, student self-assessment) of understanding will you collect? Observation of students, Kid Pix Picture, Test, Pumpkin data sheet, pumpkin book

Instructional Strategies

While students work in assigned groups they will design a face for their jack o lantern, experience the feel of pumpkin flesh, and count their pumpkin seeds. As a whole class we will use describing words to describe the pumpkin. We will also fill out our KWL Chart and discuss our five senses and how we use them when discovering features about the pumpkin. Each student will work independently with the “Kid Pix” computer program to design a jack o lantern. Students will also work independently while making estimates about their group’s pumpkin.