Kristen Chaffins

Day 1: Introduction into Pulsar Astronomy

I. Analyze the learners: This lesson is designed for 9th grade honors students in a

West Virginia High School ranging from ages 14 to 16. There will be roughly twenty

students in the class and the female students will slightly outnumber the male

students. The students will largely be Caucasian, with only two students being

African American. Most of the students identify as spatial, kinesthetic, and

interpersonal learners. They learn best by using visual aids, hands on activities, and

group work. Previous learning competencies of the students include some entry level

knowledge of basic astronomy and the structure of the Milky Way Galaxy. The

students will also have basic math skills needed to analyze the data. The students

are also able to use a computer efficiently and have an understanding of how to use

the internet in order to research topics and analyze data.

II. State Objectives: Students will identify what a pulsar is, as well as grasping

the concept of how pulsar is formed and how it interacts with other astronomic

objects such as black holes through a Voki, video, blog, Twitter and robotics with

100% accuracy.

III. Select methods, media, and materials: The students encompass many

different learning styles, therefore I will incorporate different materials to my lesson.

Voki: I have created a Voki in order to enhance the experience of a bell

ringer. The Voki will ask the students their bell ringer which they will then

answer in their bell ringer notebook.

Video: Before starting the main content of day one, I will show a video I

created to introduce the information to my students. This video will allow the

students to get an introduction into pulsar astronomy so that they better

understand the more in depth concepts to be discussed through the unit.

Robotics: After watching the introductory video and discussing pulsars in

more depth the students will be allowed to create a pulsar robot that allows

the students to better understand the rotation of the neutron star. This will

also allow students to be introduced into the world of robotics. They will be

given creative freedom in designing the robot, however there will be an

assessment of the rotation of the pulsar. Students will have time at the end

of each class to work their robot.

Twitter: After every class, students will be expected to write a short

reflection about what they thought of the lesson that day. I have created a

class Twitter account that will be used. This will allow the students

somewhere to give their feedback on a forum they use on an everyday basis.

Blog: The students will give feedback in a discussion board type blog about

their apprehension when dealing with robotics. This will give me a gateway to

answer any questions that may arise during construction of the robots, as

well as giving the students a forum to discuss the project with each other.

IV. Utilize Media and Materials: Prior to the start of the lesson I will make sure that

the video I created will work correctly in the classroom. I will also make sure the

equipment I need to play the video is available to me. I will also communicate with the

technology coordinator from my school to ensure the equipment works properly. Many

times schools block YouTube, and therefore if needed I will download the video to my

computer prior to the start of class. I will also make sure the Voki is able to be heard

and seen, even for the children sitting farther back in the classroom. Before the start of

the robotic project, I will check all of the hummingbird kits in order to assure that all

motors, sensors, servos, and lights are available to the students and working properly.

The Twitter account will be created prior to the first class and I will maintain the

account in order to keep up with the student’s process.

V. Require Learner Participation: I have created a video with extensive pictures, as

well as other videos, to enhance the learning environment. I will avoid lecturing the

whole class and by showing the introductory video and allowing the students to build a

pulsar robot they will have a hands on way to learn about the rotation. The students

will be working together to complete the robot and this will also be a way I can

informally evaluate the students. They will be able to discuss with each other, as well as

other groups in order to understand the concept of pulsar astronomy. The students will

also be encouraged to ask questions as they arise. This will increase in class discussion.

I will have other students try to answer the question first, giving them the opportunity

to teach each other while I facilitate the discussion.

VI. Evaluate and Revise: I will assess classroom comprehension through class

discussion and participation. The students will need to be engaged with each other

throughout the class and I will also give them credit for the posting their reflection to

twitter. I will be able to revise my lesson after reading their reflections and getting their

feedback from the class Twitter account. I will also asses their ability to work in groups

during their robotics project. The final grade for the robotics aspect of the unit will be

evaluated on the last day of the unit.