TPACK Analysis

In our science activity we tried to incorporate all three elements of TPACK.  The Content Knowledge in our lesson was based on the Utah Science Curriculum for 3rd grade.  We looked up the standards in the Curriculum and chose objective 2b and 2d.  These are standards that we will have to teach someday if we teach 3rd grade.

We used Pedagogy strategies to teach the content knowledge.  The lesson includes having the students observing everyday, which encourages students to think critically and analyze the information to make their own conclusions.  By the end of our lesson the students will be able to make their own hypotheses from the information that they have collected.  Also, the fact that the students will be constructing a table of data on their own blog is a Pedagogy strategy.

In our lesson we incorporated two different technologies: Stellarium and Google Earth.  Through technology, the students are able to explore phases of the moon, which they might not be able to observe normally if the weather was not consistent.  Using technology in this activity allows students to be actively involved in the learning process.  It is also exciting for them to be able to explore technology since the rising generation is so involved and surrounded by technology.

By using all aspects of TPACK, this science lesson becomes very effective in the classroom.