1. Planning Effective Classroom-Based Instruction and Designing Assessments and Candidate’s Effect on Student Learning (E-Portfolio Assessments 3&5)
By Jacqueline Smith

2. The Groups and The Unit
Two 90-minute block classes of Introductory Biology/Bio I
Tenth graders (ages 15-17)
Varying strengths
Cellular Energy
Introduction
Photosynthesis
Carbohydrates
Cellular Respiration and Fermentation

3. General Understanding of Cell Energy
Little to no understanding of what energy is (generally equated energy to hyperactivity)
Could repeat definitions based on previous unit but had very little conceptual knowledge

4. * = I wrote and/or adapted ** = I found and brought in
Date (Block Scheduled)
Lesson
NSTA Standards
Virginia SOLs
Activities
Assessment
Day 1 (3/9)
Energy in Organisms
NSTA 1b, 3b, 6a-b, 8a
BIO.2a
BIO.3b, c, d
Marshmallow models of ATP & ADP
Activity sheets and Quiz
Day 2-4 (3/10-11&14)
Photosynthesis
NSTA 1b-c, 2c, 3b, 6a-b, 8a
BIO.1a-f, k, m
Photosynthesis WebQuest, Concept Web*, and Probeware Activity*
Day 5 (3/15)
Carbohydrates
NSTA 1b, 3b, 4b, 6a-b, 7b, 8a
Carbohydrates 24/7 activity* and
Article on Artificial Sweeteners**
Day 6-7 (3/16-17)
Cellular Respiration and Fermentation
NSTA 1b-c, 3b, 6a-b, 8a
Meals on Family Vacation Activity*
and Caffeine Article**
Activity sheet and Quiz
Day 8-9 (3/18&21)
Larger Inquiry Based Activity
And Review For Test (Not Part of Original Unit Plan)
Plant Paradox Activity and
Jeopardy Game*
Activity Sheet
Day 10 (3/23)
Test day
NSTA 8a
Test
Test on Cell Energy
* = I wrote and/or adapted
** = I found and brought in

5. Introduction to Cell Energy
Concepts
Types
Enzymes, substrates, and coenzymes
Metabolism
Marshmallow activity
Quiz

6. Photosynthesis Concepts WebQuest Concept Web Probeware Lab Quiz
Parts and function of the chloroplast
Reactants and products/chemical formula
WebQuest
Concept Web
Probeware Lab
Quiz

7. Carbohydrates Concepts Carbohydrates 24/7 Activity Quiz
Parts and Types
Production and Function
Carbohydrates 24/7 Activity
Quiz

8. Cellular Respiration and Fermentation
Concepts
Releasing chemical energy
Role of Oxygen
Reactants and Products
Parts and Function of Mitochondria
Meals on Family Vacation Activity
Quiz

9. Conclusion
Student test grades were very indicative of their overall effort in the class.
Distributions were similar in the two classes, but A was overall stronger than B

10. Retention Waited two weeks
Got similar results with this particular student, but some were more obviously improved while others drastically declined