Teachers+Page

=TEACHERS PAGE=

As a group we decided that by shedding our understanding and also the recent clarifications on what actually defines a planet, students will not only further their knowledge in the milky way galaxy and all its complexities, but also realize that science on the odd occasion can be wrong and can correct itself. This adapts to the scientific communities understanding of the planets and our place within the solar system and in turn helps us and the class further understand Pluto and its role in defining planets.







**Justification of why we selected the Interactive Whiteboard, Internet Quizzes and the Wiki "Make your own Planet" page.**
We both decided to use the interactive whiteboard as a form of interactive presentation to the class very early on, not just because its a platform for us to present a visually stimulating lesson, but it also offers opportunities for students to actively participate in the current lesson.

We also decided upon using Internet Quizzes as it follows a similar path to the objectives of using an Interactive whiteboard, but on a different level. Instead of gauging individual students on the information, Internet quizzes provide ample opportunity for students to demonstrate their understanding with instant results. Not only is this a way for the student to get an idea of where they are with understanding the topic, but it also gives the teacher plenty of information on students ability and thus how to move forward.

The Wiki we discuss in depth within the next question but in brief, we decided to use this ICT tool as the main Assessment piece. The reason behind this is that Wikis provide an organized backdrop for illustrating student understanding. Additionally, the student is in an environment where his or her work is ultimately open for anyone to see, resulting in potential pressure to try to reach the objectives as best as possible.

How our project is centered on a social constructivist classroom.
Our ICT integration Project emphasizes on social constructivism within the classroom. Students are not merely listening or taking notes during class, but instead, are actively participating in learning the subject matter and applying it throughout their learning experience. The aim for this ICT Project is for students to be able to create an original planet that includes the characteristics learnt throughout the topic, and to compare it to other students in the class. In doing so they not only demonstrate an understanding of the information, the student also illustrates and enthusiastic approach to the topic by creating their very own planet. To put the 'icing on the cake', the student then compares his or her creation to other students in the class, demonstrating an understanding of Planets and how they interact with each other in our solar system.

Ultimately, the ICT project is a perfect mixture in our point of views (Gareth and Brett) of plenty of information, and student participation. Students will find this part of the topic not only enjoyable and present and enthusiasm to science, but also find the information useful throughout their lives as they continue to learn about our solar system.