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Topic: Eco Homes Around the World

Subject: Natural Science

Class level: Primary education, 5th grade

Duration: 1.5 hours (2 class periods)

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The first class is dedicated to learning about eco homes, then researching information and drafting a script for recording. The second class is centered around editing script, recording and making QR codes.

 

The objectives of the first lesson are 1) to learn and understand what an eco home is and 2) to be able to discuss why eco homes are different than other types of homes. The objectives of the second lesson are to identify and correct grammatical errors in their script, and then record the information explained by the students verbally. The tools used are the student class book, Natural Sciences for grade 5 from Oxford Education, a presentation with pictures about an eco home in Chile, prompting students to discuss eco homes around the world. We will also be using an iPad to record for the QR code and create the Canva. By engaging in discussion, students are speaking in the target language (English) and increasing the retention of the material. When I studied abroad in Chile, we learned about the traditional Mapuche home, which is called a ruka. I was able to bring this knowledge and connect it to what the students are learning in their natural science class. By hearing about some who’s experienced learning about an eco home firsthand, it makes the learning more real for the students. 

 

First class--

20 minutes: reading from book & presentation 

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The first 20 minutes are centered around the short reading from the Natural Science class book and the Powerpoint, which teaches students about different eco homes, their locations, and the different materials they are made of. During the reading, students “popcorn” read the passage. This is a technique where one student reads a couple sentences and then randomly chooses another student to pick up where they left off. It’s beneficial because they really have to focus and follow along, in order to be prepared to be called on by their classmates. While we read the passage, we discuss words that students aren’t familiar with, such as portable, stationary, etc. The presentation allows students to see yet another example of an eco home, which supports the idea that they are found in many different parts of the world. 

 

25 minutes: researching eco homes and collecting information

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During the second half of the class, students are given a worksheet to guide them as they research an eco home of their choice. They must search for the following information: name of eco home, location, year of construction, and eco characteristics. They will write down the information they find, so that it can eventually be used as their script for the recording. The students must also find an image or two that represent their eco home to later upload to the Canva.

 

Second class--

 

15 minutes: editing script

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Students will make the appropriate edits to their scripts, based on my comments. They must check for verb/subject agreement, spelling, and proper punctuation. The edits are important so that they can speak without hindrance when it comes time to record. 

 

15 minutes: recording

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Students will have 15 minutes to divide up the script, then practice and finally record. Since pronunciation is difficult for most, they will be able to practice a few times before I record them. We will record using the Voice Memo application on the iPad, which we will then upload to Google Drive. 

 

15 minutes: creating Canva and QR code

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The final step of the project is to add the images they chose the Canva, along with the title of their home, location, and QR Code. The students generate the QR code online through a generator from their URLs. Lastly, students will print off their projects and hang them up in the hallways. The QR codes can be scanned by their peers, allowing them to learn more about the varying types of eco homes in the world.

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Examples:

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