Science
Lesson 3
Lesson Title: The Earth's Earliest Ages Podcast
Synopsis:
Working in groups of two or three, students will produce podcasts that inform listeners of the main characteristics of each era/period of earth’s geologic time. They will incorporate artwork and research information from the previous lesson in which they developed a geologic timeline.
Authors: Valerie Ordway and Stefani Langol
Interdisciplinary Pairing:
- Primarily Science
- Secondary subjects include:
- Music
- Multimedia
- Technology
- Graphic Design (Art)
Objectives:
- Students will incorporate research from a previous lesson (see Lesson #1 of this series) to produce an enhanced podcast which highlights the main events of the eras/periods of earth’s geologic time.
Intended Grade Level:
Middle School
Prior Knowledge & Skills:
- Completion of all or most of Lessons 1 and 2
Equipment:
- Computers with sequencing or recording software capable of creating podcasts such as GarageBand (Mac), Home Studio(PC) or Audacity (Mac and PC)
- Digital camera or scanner to scan printed photos.
- Optional: Digital photo editing software such as iPhoto, Photoshop Elements, etc.
Duration:
The development and recording of a script should require two to four class periods. Homework time should be utilized to perfect these scripts. Presentation should require one class period.
Materials:
- Music files or loops to be used for the podcasts
- Artwork from Lesson 1 in this series
Procedure:
- Complete Lesson #1 of this series.
- Divide students into groups of two or three.
- Assign each group a specific geologic era or time period.
- Using their previous research, develop a script to be read for a podcast that incorporates information on the geosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere, and biosphere during their assigned time period.
- Using the computer lab, select a jingle that characterizes the time period assigned to them (if time or desire allows, students can create their own music to represent their geologic time period).
- Scan their selected artwork into the computer to be inserted into their podcast.
- Record scripts for each group.
- Compile the podcasts.
- Play podcasts for the entire class.
Evaluation:
- Completed podcast.
- Use attached rubric as a guideline for assessing student work.
Lesson Extension(s):
- Replicate the entire project to other research projects.
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