Paul Farbman

Social Studies Rationale

Lesson Objective: Given an example of the personal history of the growth of a pumpkin, TSW
create a personal history book for the growth of a pumpkin, ordering 5 pictures, demonstrating
an understanding that personal history can be shared through stories and pictures.
Rationale:
For this lesson I used a rubric with the three scoring levels I did it, I almost did it and Next
time. In order to receive a score of I did it, students had to have cut and pasted all five
pictures of the pumpkin growth cycle in the correct order. To receive the score of I almost did
it, students had to have at least two pictures in the correct order. I felt that this was a good
scoring criteria because it would show some understanding of pieces of the pumpkin growth
cycle. Looking back, I might raise this criterion to at least three pictures in order in future
lessons so that students can only get one picture out of order to receive this ranking. Finally,
students received a score of Not yet if their pictures appeared to be in random order.
This assessment is tied to the learning objective because students must order all five
pictures to receive full credit. Having a developing level helps the teacher and student to
determine whether or not the student is making progress toward the learning objective. Of 18
students present in class on the day of the lesson, 16 received a three, 1 student received a 1, and
one student received a zero. I did not choose to differentiate this assessment because neither of
the students I am observing have difficulties ordering events. Going forward, I would
differentiate this assessment for the student who received a zero. This student does have some
difficulties with following along with learning tasks. A better option for this student might have
been to have three timeline for the pumpkin so that she could circle the one that is in the correct
order. I will create this scoring guide and include in the ePortfolio for future reference.