Purpose: This page demonstrates how I integrate spreadsheet software into my Ceramics courses. The lesson below is a semester long research project that has a portion prior to each unit. Units in my ceramics courses are divided by construction methods. This lesson helps students identify images of various types of ceramics construction methods, introduces students to the various methods, introduces them to a technology collaboration technique, guides them to place images and information into a Google Sheet, and helps them formulate a "Need to Know List" to guide the learning for each unit.
Spreadsheet Lesson Framework
Lesson: Ceramics Construction Method Research Topic Description: Prior to beginning each ceramics construction unit, students will work in groups to research ceramics images online that reflect the construction methods listed in the provided Google Sheets document. Students will add three images, the URLs of the images and describe what they know about the ceramics works and what they like. They will add a unique item to the "Need to Know List".
Learning Goals: After completing this lesson, students will be able to…
Research and save images and URLs into a Google Sheet with a group.
Record research and reflections about research as a group.
Understand how online collaboration in Google Sheets can expedite research and be used for collaborative purposes.
Visualize a variety of ceramics works created with each construction method.
Understand what they need to know about a construction method prior to creating a project with that method.
Collaborate with a group to complete their portion of the Google Sheet.
Work in small groups to create a whole class completed Google Sheet.
Complex concepts students will understand after using the spreadsheet: Students will understand…
How to consolidate internet image and response research into a Google Sheet for future use.
Why it is important to view many images when considering ceramics construction methods and ideas for future projects.
How to properly cite an image with a URL for future research and copyright purposes.
How spreadsheets can store important research for learning about ceramics.
How group research can expedite the research process and provide more in depth ideas for all learners.
How a group can create a "Need to Know List" with a Google Sheet.
Description of the data that will be used:
Students will research a construction method and input data into the Google Sheet.
Students will examine the images and data presented in the Google Sheet to formulate a Need to Know List.
Students will use the data throughout the course as a resource and a starting point for idea generation for projects.
Column Headings: The column headings would be group member groups/names, the specific construction method to be researched and student definition of the method, three separate columns for image 1, 2, & 3 of the method, the corresponding URL of each image and what they know and like about each image. The last column will be a "Need to Know List" that drives the unit learning,
Row Headings: The row headings are simply group numbers. There are 10 groups in all my courses to accommodate possible classes of 30 students. Students work in an assigned Google Sheet row with their group. Instruction:
Instruction begins with a brief instruction to the guided research project.
Students will learn the purpose of the research and its benefits for the ceramics units.
Students will learn to collaboratively create a Need to Know List in Google Sheets.
Instruction includes Google Sheet overview and data input as images and text.
Students will learn how to work directly in the Google Sheet with a group and a whole class.
Students will learn how to create links to URLs and input images in a Google Sheet.