7th Grade: Spreadsheets and Hurricanes Dec 9 through January

Introduction to Spreadsheets Integrated with Hurricanes
Students will learn how to use a spreadsheet with Hurricane data.

NCSCOS Objectives:

Technology Proficiency 4: Use content-specific tools, software, and simulations (e.g., environmental probes, graphing calculators, exploratory environments, Web tools) to support learning and research

The student demonstrates proficiency in using databases and why they are used in North Carolina (e.g. schools, government, business, and science) to collect and organize information.
Students will learn how to use a spreadsheet with Hurricane content.

Technology Proficiency 8 …Student selects technology tools that enhance the efficiency and output of curriculum projects.

- The student demonstrates the proficiency in determining the appropriate tools and technology resources to solve problems.

Science SCOS: Competency Goal 3: The learner will conduct investigations and utilize appropriate technologies and information systems to build an understanding of the atmosphere.

3.05 Examine evidence that atmospheric properties can be studied to predict atmospheric conditions and weather hazards:

Humidity.
Temperature.
Wind speed and direction.
Air pressure.
Precipitation.
Tornados.
Hurricanes.
Floods.
Storms.

3.06 Assess the use of technology in studying atmospheric phenomena and weather hazards:

Satellites.
Weather maps.
Predicting.
Recording.
Communicating information about conditions.



Dates/Duration of Unit:

• December / January Two to Three lessons

Teacher/Student Technology:
• Smartboard- to view presentation
• Smartboard- students will use to show process

Resources:
NCDesk software and Microsoft Excel

Methods:

A. Bell Ringer- Spreadsheet Awareness - After students sign in, they will work in small groups and complete a worksheet titled “Age”. The purpose of the exercise is to build awareness that a spreadsheet can calculate data faster then most students.

B. Scaffolding Previous Knowledge- Students will use the Bell Ringer discoveries to connect to the spreadsheet concepts

C. Guided Practice and then Independent Practice- Student will learn vocabulary terms then do hands-on activities to reinforce the material. Students will use Hurricane data to make multiple spreadsheets and to create multiple graphs of different data sets.

D. Enrichment Activities- students who finish early there is an online spreadsheet vocabulary game

Assessments:

Formative: Using the Smartboard students are asked questions
Worksheet
Online quizzes

Summative: Spreadsheet with graphs completed

At the end of this unit students will be able to say “I can…”
• I can make a spreadsheet. I can create a graph.