Standard - 8.2 Technology Education, Engineering, and Design: All students will develop an understanding of the nature and impact of technology, engineering, technological design, and the designed world, as they relate to the individual, global society, and the environment.
By the end of grade four students need to be able to, “Analyze responses collected from owners/users of a particular product and suggest modifications in the design of the product based on their responses,” according to the Cumulative Progress Indicator for this strand. This will help students to develop their, “information-literacy skills, research, data analysis, and prediction provide the basis for the effective design of technology systems,” as stated in the content statement for this part of the standard.
In the exercise/sports/nutrition world there are enough gadgets, supplements, vitamins, gym franchises, exercise fads, web pages, work out routines, and equipment choices to make anyone’s head spin. Throughout this exercise I want students to learn how to make educated decisions when looking at consumer goods and also know that there are many different options for just about any health/fitness product or service they desire.
The students will be partnered in groups of three. The class will be given a list of products and services, (some examples pedometers, sports drinks, shape up sneakers, local fitness centers), that they can choose from or they can pick a topic themselves as long as it is approved by me.
Each group is to find basic information on the product or service. What it is, what it does, how long it has been in existence, price, etc … Then they are to search online to find at least five consumer reviews, (positive and negative) from at least two different web sources. Some examples include but are not limited to blogs, articles, or web pages that have these items for sale that include customer comments and reviews. The comment or review cannot just be a percentage or star rating it must have input on what the consumer felt was either wrong or right with the product or service. Based on the consumer responses and their own ideas about the product or service students must then make their own recommendations to fix any of the issues and/or make the product or service better.
To present their findings and suggestions each group must create a six slide Power Point presentation which will be presented to the class. Each group member must talk about two of the slides in their presentation.
Slides to include …
Introduction – Introduction of presenters.
Product/Service Information – Basic product/service information, why this product was chosen. Must include a graphic of product.
Positive Reviews/Negative Reviews
Suggestions for Improvement of Product/Service
Would You Buy or Use This Product/Service – Based on the information given do you think this product worth it? Would you use it?
Research is to be done at home. Each student in the group can research reviews online then bring their findings to class to collaborate. Time will be allotted in class for collaboration and in the computer lab to create the Power Point presentations so students can be taught the basics of the program if they haven’t already and/or any questions about how to use the program can be addressed right away. Groups must also hand in a print out of presentation and a list of all sources used.
Students will be evaluated on:
Their ability to work as a group in the computer lab and during presentation.
If all of the necessary information was included and all questions answered in presentation.
If graphic was included in presentation.
List of sources handed in were appropriate to project.
List of sources handed in were appropriate to project.
(This exercise also satisfies Standard 8.1 Strand A. CPI# 8.1.4.A.3 and Standard 2.2 Strand B. CPI # 2.2.4.B.1.)
Great structure for 4th graders. I love the idea that you are introducing them to revising/fixing what is already out there. In a learning experience like this, it will be important that you identify all the requisite skills - research and reading, notetaking and organization, not to mention technology and collaboration.
ReplyDeleteGood start. Providing an exemplar will help students identify the key parts that must be included in order to be assessed on the criteria of skills that you want all students to gain.
I have always wondered what other people thought of products. Meaning, I would like to know what the average person thinks of 'Red Bull" or the "Shape Up" sneakers - do they actually do anything? I think this is a great idea for a lesson andI think it will be very interesting to see the students findings.
ReplyDeleteI really like your assignment! My one issue is that I teach in an urban school where many of my students do not have computers at home, therefore I cannot require them to do research at home. I guess I am just highlighting the fact that students do not all have equal access to technology. Perhaps demonstrating how to conduct research via a teacher-led exercise in the computer laboratory at school would be beneficial. Then, students can start researching in class and can use the teacher as a resource for help and guidance as they complete the task at hand.
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