You Be the Scientist: Database and Debates
Created by Martha Morgan
University of Phoenix

ID #: 9944

Subject Area: Science
Grade Level: 5

Lesson Summary
Students will work with teammates to compile a database of five characteristics of 6 land biomes: location, rainfall/temperature and other special facts/features, plants, animals, and problems caused by global warming. The database will be used as a reference in debates between teams as to which biome is likely to be most affected by global warming.

Learning Objectives and Computer Functions
This lesson plan uses 3 objectives.

Objective 1: Collaborate with teammates to compile an accurate and complete database using Excel of the characteristics of each of 6 land biomes. Use a template provided by the teacher. SC.H.1.2.3
Uses Database to compile a list of characteristics of biomes\

Objective 2: Evaluate which biome is likely to be most affected by global warming. SC.H.1.2.4, SC.H.3.2.4
Uses Publishing Tools to view characteristics to help teams make decisions.

Objective 3: Use logic to support or oppose opinions. SC.H.2.2.1, SC.H.3.2.1, SC.H.3.2.2
Uses Database to provide a reference during debates.

Problem
Problem Nature
Explain how global warming may affect Earth\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\'s major ecological communities (biomes).

Problem Data
located

Notes on Using Data
Students will use a teacher-made template on Excel to add 5 characteristics for each of the 6 land biomes. They will save their database to the school server.

Problem Statement
You will be asked to debate with other scientists, using logical and reasonable data to support your team\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\'s position about which biome is likely to be most affected by global warming. This database will provide the factual information you can use in the debates.

Data Manipulation
Instructions
The learner used computers at beginner level

Integration Strategies
Students will meet to compile their individual data into one database using Excel.

Organization Strategies
The teacher will provide a template for the team\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\'s use.

Elaboration Strategies
Students may add graphics if they choose.

Results Presentation

The final team database for each team will be shared with other teams during the convention presentations. The entire template should be completed, and graphics may be added.

Activities
 Activities Before Using the Computer
Complete the content section of the PowerPoint slides to provide the characteristics needed for the database.

Strategies to develop students' attitudes towards the problem, motivation, and overall mindfulness:
The teacher should provide a demonstration of how to input data on the Excel template and answer questions; he/she should also remind students that this database will help them provide logical arguments during the debates.

 

Activities While Using the Computer
Students will work at the computer groups

Group Information:
Teams have six members, and each member should add his/her own data into the database so that everyone has an opportunity to use Excel. While one team member is typing, others may assist or work on finalizing and editing their own PowerPoint slides.

 

Activities After Using the Computer
When each student has input his characteristics into the database, the team may choose to add graphics. They should proofread the database for errors and discuss possible points to make during the debate. Teams should make copies of the database for each team member.

Supporting Activities
They can use the time to proofread and edit their own PowerPoint slides, review their Think Sheet to be sure they have provided all information gathered, and review the rubric to make sure they have completed all tasks so far.

Assessment
Students will be assessed by means of:

Included in the assessment:
The team\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\'s database will be evaluated for completeness based on the template.




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