The iTeach Blog

Studying Space and Space flight incorporates the study of  several disciplines: math, science, geography. Within these disciplines there are multiple subjects that can be studied to gain insight into the space program: measurement planets maps weather speed and distance exercise needs human body environment nutrition...the list goes on. With the many choices within this unit of study, personalizing learning (PL) becomes an easy fit. In schools that have already chosen one or more  Personalized Learning (PL) Principles  to focus on, teachers can easily pick one or two to hone in on as they prepare the unit.  PL Principles  are rarely demonstrated in isolation. Instead the principles are interconnected and overlapping.  If  Choice and Voice  is a principle area of focus, the options for students to demonstrate their understanding include choice boards, choosing challenging projects based on the student’s interests and ability level...

While targeting the personalized learning principles of just in time direct instruction, mastery-based assessments, and varied strategies as well as the Engineering Design Process, this team of teachers implemented an integrated unit that had students and teachers alike pumped for learning!     Classes studied the European Exploration of North America and learned about the different explorers, the obstacles they faced, and their accomplishments.  Taught through a variety of methods including direct instruction, curated digital resources, and student-paced Nearpod lessons. After all of the content had been taught, each class was then responsible for becoming an "expert" on their chosen explorer.  Students demonstrated mastery by creating an artifact of their choosing to be included in the classroom exhibit. Peers collaborated and created digital artifacts using Chatterpix, Sway, PowerPoint, and coding maps using Ozobots with 3D printed boats or thinglink-esq...