Secondary

Science - Google Docs

I was pleased to see some exciting things happening in the Secondary Science department with the use of Google Docs. I believe that this method of IT integration can be used with all subjects within the Secondary division.

Lesson Title: Ecology - 4.1:Modes of Nutrition in Ecosystems

Grade: 11

Teacher Preparation: 

• Created a Google Doc and shared the link for the Google Doc with the rest of the class.
• Teacher had taken statements from the syllabus/curriculum on the above topic and placed them into the Google Doc
• Identified students to work in pairs based on ability
• Students notified to bring in mobile devices (Laptop or iPad) 

Student Activity:

• In pairs, students to go to the Google Doc (the teacher has created) read the statement allocated to them and convert the statement into a question as well as creating a mark scheme that goes with the statement. 
• Students are now asked to answer the questions using the tools within Google docs.Research Tool to search for specific information related to the topic, they are able to cite and, create footnotes to reference the information.
• Once all questions have been answered students will have an opportunity to peer assess and make comments against each answer, these comments are color coded automatically to identify the additions made to the answer

Advantages of using Google Doc for this activity:

• All students have access to the same document and work collaboratively to create a question bank with notes.
• Information is cited/referenced to allow students to conduct further research and get a deeper understanding of the topic in question.
• All students are engaged to complete their part of the activity, as they are aware that the whole class is able to see their contribution.
• Teacher has access and can check the history to see who and how much a pupil has contributed to the activity.
• Teacher acts as facilitator. 

An example of the Google Doc used, for further information and to view the full document, please click on the link below.

Student activity: Modes of Nutrition in the Ecosystem