Creating Units

1. Creating Units Aligning lessons together Chunking information

2. Oh, what to wear! What goes with what?

3. Today we will… • Define the term “unit” • Analyze example units • Create unit plan lesson titles in a group • Describe the typical components of a unit

4. What is a Unit? Collection of lesson plans • Aimed at teaching one general concept or theme • A “Chunk” of information • How is it like dressing appropriately?

5. How should you think about a Unit? • About a week’s worth of material • Where a test is needed on topics • Breaks in the material being taught

6. Key points of a Unit • Unit title is written with an action verb • Lesson titles are written with action verbs • Lesson titles describe the lesson

7. Some Unit Examples • Define Equine Nutrition • Identify Breeds of Beef Cattle • Describe the Principles of Design

8. Unit: Define Equine Nutrition • Identifying the digestive system • Describe functions of the digestive system • Identifying nutrients and their value • Computing rations

9. Identifying breeds of beef cattle • Describe the importance of beef cattle to agriculture • Discuss characteristics of beef cattle • Identify Bos Taurus breeds of beef cattle • Identify Bos Indicus breeds of beef cattle

10. Describe the principles of design • Describe what constitutes a “good” design • Developing a focal point • Using rhythm and line • Using symmetrical and asymmetrical balance

11. So we see how to “chunk,” now what does it involve? • Lesson plans – what you will need each day • Handouts – to help explain content • Visual Aids – pictures, PowerPoint, computer, TV/DVD, etc.. • Laboratory and Activity Sheets – student opportunity to learn • Everything needed to teach the lessons!!

12. Group Unit Planning What lessons would you teach for each unit? • Group 1 – Describe the basic principles of food sanitation • Group 2 – Identify soils and their importance • Group 3 – Describe animal nutrition • Group 4 – Identify plant propagation techniques • Group 5– Marketing agricultural products • Group 6– Describe the importance and impact of wildlife on the environment

13. Review of Unit Planning What is a Unit? • Collection of lesson plans • Aimed at teaching one general concept or theme • A “Chunk” of information What does a Unit plan consist of? • About a week’s worth of material • Where a test is needed on topics – unit test • Breaks in the material being taught • All materials needed to teach each lesson!! Evaluated using the grading rubric Make sure everything “fits” just like our clothing model!

14. Today we… • Defined the term “unit” • Analyzed example units • Created unit plan lesson titles in a group • Described the typical components of a unit • You will use this information when you create a unit you will teach at your student teaching center—Due the last week of class this semester

15. On the Horizon… Next Monday: • Lesson Plan is due (posted to your website) with the discussion paper Wednesday: • Creating a unit exam End of Semester: • Your unit is due (based on visit to your student teaching center)