Lesson Idea Name: Intro to Fossils

Grade Level/Content Area: 3rd Grade Science

Content Standard Addressed: Audio
S3E2. Obtain, evaluate, and communicate information on how fossils
provide evidence of past organisms.

ISTE Technology Standard Addressed: What would you like students to know and
1.4 Innovative Designer: be able to do by the end of this lesson:
1.4A: Design Process: Students know and use Students will be able to create their own
a deliberate design process for generating “fossil” and create a podcast to share about
ideas, testing theories, creating innovative the fossil they created.
artifacts, or solving authentic problems.
What is the student learning goal for this lesson idea?
To understand how fossils tell us what past organisms used to look like.

Selected Instructional Software Tool:

Spotify for Podcasters
Description of Software:
An online software where the user can record and upload their own audio in various
locations.
URL(s) to support the lesson (if applicable):

Bloom’s Taxonomy Level(s): (Which level(s) will this lesson meet using this technology
tool?) Please put an X in the box or next to the level(s). Do not highlight or bold the
response.

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

How do you plan to implement this lesson and integrate the technology? Check all that apply:

X Teacher-led: There is no student voice and choice in the activities. Students are guided by
the teacher's direction and expectations. Learning activities are assigned to the student
and mostly practice based.

X Student-Led: Students are given voice and choice in the activities. They may select the topic
of learning and/or determine the tool they will use to meet the learning goal. The teacher
facilitates the learning as the students direct their own learning processes.

☐ Problem-based and/or Publishable: Students are solving problems and completing

projects to demonstrate their learning. Additionally, the projects can be shared outside of
 the classroom. (Note: This objective could be reached by displaying the project on the
school’s morning newscast, posting the project to the classroom blog, presenting it to
another class, or publishing it via an outside source.)
Lesson idea implementation:
Students are going to listen to a podcast introducing them to fossils. They will learn basic
fossil facts and receive instruction on making their own fossils. Students will then create their
fossils and exchange fossils with other students. Students will then create a podcast about
the fossil they received. They will describe the fossil and infer what it could be.

Managing student learning:

The tools given out in this learning setting would be an iPad or a laptop/computer. Student
learning can be monitored by an online software called Go Guardian. The viewer can see the
screen and monitor what students are looking at. When students are using playdough or
other materials to create their fossils, they will be at tables with their groups.
Universal Design for Learning (UDL) Reflection: Be sure to mention one specific UDL
principle you are focused on in this lesson – Multiple Means of Engagement, Multiple
Means of Representation, or Multiple Means of Action & Expression.
This activity highlights UDL. Students can create their own podcast explaining the fossil they
made of their choice. Students can create a fossil with whatever materials that they choose
as well as whatever topic they choose. Students can make a fossil out of something hard, like
a shell, imprints, or even plants. This gives students a sense of choice as well as creative
freedom.
Reflection:
Students will be able to learn about how fossils are created, what they might look like, and
how they can give us a look into the past. I am looking forward to hearing about and seeing
my students’ creations. It will be exciting to see what they can create and hear what they
learned while they did this. I will also be interested to hear about what kinds of connections
they made between this lesson and the real world.