Instructional Software

Lesson Idea Name: Mineral Identification

Grade Level/Content Area: 3rd / Science

Content Standard Addressed:

S3E1: Obtain, evaluate, and communicate information about the physical attributes of rocks and soils.
S3E1.a: Ask questions and analyze data to classify rocks by their physical attributes (color, texture, luster, and
hardness) using simple tests.

ISTE Technology Standard Addressed: 1 - Empowered Learner

Selected Technology Tool: Gizmos

URL(s) to support the lesson (if applicable):

https://gizmos.explorelearning.com/index.cfm?method=cResource.dspView&ResourceID=640

Type of Instructional Software:

☐ Drill and Practice ☐ Tutorial X Simulation ☐ Instructional Game ☐ e-books/e-references

Features of this software (check all that apply):

X Assessment Monitoring/Reporting
X Allows teacher to create customized lessons for students
☐ Multi-user or collaborative functions with others in the class
☐ Multi-user or collaborative with others outside the class
X Accessible to students beyond the school day
☐ Accessible via mobile devices
X Multiple languages
X Safety, security and/or privacy features

Bloom’s Taxonomy Level(s):

☐ Remembering X Understanding ☐ Applying ☐ Analyzing ☐ Evaluating ☐ Creating

Levels of Technology Integration:

☐ Infusion Level: Students may work at a higher Bloom’s Level, but they do not have any “Voice or Choice”
during the activity and most of the decisions are made by the teacher.

X Integration Level: We would like to see ALL lessons/activities reach this level. The project is student-driven.
Students have “Voice and Choice” in the activities, selecting the topic of study and determining the
technology tool to demonstrate mastery of the standard. The teacher becomes more of a facilitator.
☐ Expansion Level: The projects created are shared outside of the classroom, publishing student work and
promoting authorship. This could be reached by showcasing the project on the school’s morning newscast,
posting the project to the classroom blog, or publishing via an outside source.

Lesson idea implementation:

The activity I will plan for my students to use this tool will be about minerals and their properties. I will bring
some real minerals and rocks for the students to observe their properties, and then my students will continue
to explore additional minerals using the Gizmo software. On the Gizmo software, the students will measure
TFrazier, 2021
 Instructional Software

and observe the properties of a mineral sample, and then use a key to identify the mineral. Students can
observe the color, shape, luster, hardness, density, streak, and reaction to acid for any of the 26 minerals. We
will use the Gizmo software because it can provide the opportunity for my students to observe minerals and
their reaction to acid in a safe and in-depth way. The students will explore the Gizmo simulation, and the
teacher will act as a facilitator of learning by asking open-ended questions and helping when needed. Student
learning will be assessed by the quiz provided on the Gizmo simulation, which provides feedback for their
answers. Additionally, the students can discuss their feedback with each other to understand the subject
better. I will conclude this lesson with a whole group discussion and ask if anyone would like to share
something interesting they learned about the minerals we observed today.
Universal Design for Learning (UDL) Reflection:
This tool supports and enhances the learning experience for students in my classroom by supporting the UDL
principle of representation. The Mineral Identification Gizmo shows the information in different ways and
provides multiple methods of representation. This simulation presents information and content in multiple
media and provides varied supports. It uses graphics and animations, activates background knowledge,
highlights the critical features, and supports vocabulary so that students can receive the knowledge being
taught. I think that this activity will impact student learning by engaging and exciting them with access to
observe minerals that they might not have otherwise. The part of the lesson that I look forward to is observing
their excitement at seeing and learning about new minerals that they might not have known about previously!

TFrazier, 2021