Authentic Lessons for 21st Century Learning

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Kelsey Willems's Profile

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Kelsey Willems

LEARN Author

K20 Center

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Recent Publications

Cutting Edge: Science of Precision

Introduction to Lasers and Laser Cutters

Grade Level Grade Level

  • 6th - 9th

In this technology lesson, students will explore the science of laser cutters. Students will view a variety of videos on lasers, work in stations to develop Frayer Models, and build a shared definition of how a laser functions. The lesson concludes with students developing a product pitch for something... Read more »

Lesson 5E Lesson
Cutting Edge: Science of Precision

Introduction to Lasers and Laser Cutters

Grade Level Grade Level

  • 6th - 9th

Subject Subject

  • Science

Course Course

  • Physical Science

Tag Related

  • OETT Team

Copied To Clipboard Standards

  • MS-ETS1-1, 6.PS1.4.2, 6.PS3.3.3, SIN202, SIN401, SIN701, SIN702
More 2–3 periods
Time Frame 105 minutes
Cutting Edge: Design to Prototype

Application of Laser Cutters

Grade Level Grade Level

  • 6th - 9th

In this technology lesson, students will learn about the technical details behind laser cutters like Glowforge, xTool, or the Beamo. Students will develop safety rules, examine the inner workings of the machines, review the science of lasers, and make a tangram puzzle using a laser cutter. The lesson... Read more »

Lesson 5E Lesson
Cutting Edge: Design to Prototype

Application of Laser Cutters

Grade Level Grade Level

  • 6th - 9th

Subject Subject

  • Science

Course Course

  • Physical Science

Copied To Clipboard Standards

  • MS-PS1-5, HS-PS3-3, 7.PS1.5 , 7.PS1.5.2, 7.PS1.5.3, PS.PS3.1.3, PS.PS3.4.1, SIN202, SIN401, SIN701, SIN702
More 2-3 class periods
Time Frame 125 minutes
Burn It or Build It

Laser Cutters vs. 3D Printers

Grade Level Grade Level

  • 6th - 9th

In this technology lesson, students design and build a model home using their choice of either a 3D printer or laser cutter. To prepare, they brainstorm natural disasters, research architectural defenses, and explore the history of housing. Applying these concepts, they create and test homes designed... Read more »

Lesson 5E Lesson
Burn It or Build It

Laser Cutters vs. 3D Printers

Grade Level Grade Level

  • 6th - 9th

Subject Subject

  • Science

Course Course

  • Physical Science

Copied To Clipboard Standards

  • MS-PS1-6, MS-ESS3-2, 7.LS1, 7.PS1.6.3, 7.ESS3.1.3, EN.ESS3.4 , EN.ESS3.4.1, EN.ESS3.4.2, SIN202, SIN401, SIN701, SIN702
More 3~4 class periods
Time Frame 180 minutes

A laser printer, more formally known as a laser cutter engraver, is a machine used to cut or engrave a variety of materials. Read more »

Tech Tool
Artificial Intelligence (AI) Instructional Strategies

Grade Level Grade Level

  • 3rd - Secondary

The term “student-centered learning” is often used to describe a shift from a teacher-centric focus to a student-centric focus. Student-centered learning is embodied in three domains: student agency, scaffolded learning, and the cultural nature of learning. While student agency or voice is imperative... Read more »

Tag Target Audience

  • Teachers

Tag Calendar Placement

  • Any time of year

User Group Group Size

  • Individual, Small Group, Whole Class

Copied To Clipboard Placement In Lesson

  • Engage/Opening, Explore/Learning Activity, Explain/Closing, Extend/Additional Learning Activity, Evaluate/Assessment, Engage

Time Frame Time To Complete

  • Less Than 10 Minutes, 10 - 20 Minutes, 20 - 30 Minutes, More Than 30 Minutes

Tag Intention Or Purpose

  • Activate Prior Knowledge, Active Engagement, Analyze, Annotating Text, Collaborate, Compare & Contrast, Conversation Starter, Critical Thinking, Cross-Curricular, Elaborate, Evaluate, Identify, Interpret, Organize, Reason, Recognize, Reflection, Review, Self-assessment, Student Choice, Summarize, Synthesize, Vocabulary, Writing

Grade Level Grade Level

  • 3rd - Secondary

Course Course

  • Any Secondary Course

Tag Related

  • AI
More
Time Frame

The term “student-centered learning” is often used to describe a shift from a teacher-centric focus to a student-centric focus. Student-centered learning is embodied in three domains: student agency, scaffolded learning, and the cultural nature of learning. While student agency or voice is imperative... Read more »

Tag Target Audience

  • Students, Teachers

Tag Calendar Placement

  • Any time of year, Planning/Collaboration/Conference Time, Pre-Service Training

Tag Related

  • AI, Argument Writing, Communication, Culture, Games

Copied To Clipboard Placement In Lesson

  • Engage/Opening, Evaluate/Assessment, Engage

Time Frame Time To Complete

  • More Than 30 Minutes

Tag Intention Or Purpose

  • Brainstorming, Citing, Cross-Curricular, Elaborate, Increase Teacher "Toolbox", Persuade, Problem Solving, Research, Text analysis, Writing Across Curriculum

Course Course

  • Any Secondary Course
More
Time Frame

AudioPen leverages Artificial Intelligence (AI) software to create text from voice recordings. Read more »

Tech Tool

Suno is a website that uses Artificial Intelligence (AI) to allow users to create their own songs with lyrics and music. Music has a way of adding student voice and engagement to any lesson. Read more »

Tech Tool

SchoolAI is a web application that leverages artificial intelligence (AI) to provide a range of features aimed at improving learning outcomes and streamlining administrative tasks. The app is free with limitations. Read more »

Tech Tool

A free Artificial Intelligence (AI) tool designed for neurodivergent students, such as those with ADHD, to help organize their thoughts and actions around tasks and assignments. Read more »

Tech Tool