PowerPoint

So this week’s activity was creating a PowerPoint presentation where the focus was about presenting a concept using visual images instead of the usual bullet point format.  I tried to stay away from bullet points, but there was one section that I had to add something in order to make the lesson understandable. However, unlike my usual symmetrical, same color and slide layout presentations, I went with various colors, large and small images, a block font and little to no wording on most of the slides.

This PowerPoint is all about rocks and how they form.  You can view the Rock Presentation in my Dropbox. I am actually pretty excited about the result of this activity. It was handy to have my old earth science textbooks to use as a reference. Didn’t think I’d ever look at those again and not sure why I even kept them, but they were useful! The lesson itself fulfills the VA Earth Science Standard of Learning ES.6.  The standard states that the student will investigate and understand the rock cycle as it relates to the origin and transformation of rock types and how to identify common rock types based on mineral composition and texture. Key concepts include igneous rocks, sedimentary rocks and metamorphic rocks.  It was nice to see that my work directly applied to a specific standard of learning. Depending on what grade I end up teaching someday, I know this presentation would be helpful in learning the rock cycle in a fun and visual way.

After completing this process, I realize how easy it is to compile information and list it out in bullet format thinking that it will be short and concise, but it is not always effective. This activity broadened my idea of presentations and the way it can be used in the classroom to enhance learning. Creating this PowerPoint complies with ISTE.NETS.T standard number 3, Model Digital-Age Work and Learning. This standard applies because this activity enables the teacher to communicate relevant information about a subject through the use of a digital media. PowerPoint is a great tool to help teachers and students convey information to make learning more effective.