1. Kristen Chaffins
Day 1: Introduction into Pulsar Astronomy
I. Analyze the learners: This lesson is designed for 9th grade honors students in a
West Virginia High School ranging from ages 14 to 16. There will be roughly twenty
students in the class and the female students will slightly outnumber the male
students. The students will largely be Caucasian, with only two students being
African American. Most of the students identify as spatial, kinesthetic, and
interpersonal learners. They learn best by using visual aids, hands on activities, and
group work. Previous learning competencies of the students include some entry level
knowledge of basic astronomy and the structure of the Milky Way Galaxy. The
students will also have basic math skills needed to analyze the data. The students
are also able to use a computer efficiently and have an understanding of how to use
the internet in order to research topics and analyze data.
II. State Objectives: Students will identify what a pulsar is, as well as grasping
the concept of how pulsar is formed and how it interacts with other astronomic
objects such as black holes through a Voki, video, blog, Twitter and robotics with
100% accuracy.
III. Select methods, media, and materials: The students encompass many
different learning styles, therefore I will incorporate different materials to my lesson.
 Voki: I have created a Voki in order to enhance the experience of a bell
ringer. The Voki will ask the students their bell ringer which they will then
answer in their bell ringer notebook.

2.  Video: Before starting the main content of day one, I will show a video I
created to introduce the information to my students. This video will allow the
students to get an introduction into pulsar astronomy so that they better
understand the more in depth concepts to be discussed through the unit.
 Robotics: After watching the introductory video and discussing pulsars in
more depth the students will be allowed to create a pulsar robot that allows
the students to better understand the rotation of the neutron star. This will
also allow students to be introduced into the world of robotics. They will be
given creative freedom in designing the robot, however there will be an
assessment of the rotation of the pulsar. Students will have time at the end
of each class to work their robot.
 Twitter: After every class, students will be expected to write a short
reflection about what they thought of the lesson that day. I have created a
class Twitter account that will be used. This will allow the students
somewhere to give their feedback on a forum they use on an everyday basis.
 Blog: The students will give feedback in a discussion board type blog about
their apprehension when dealing with robotics. This will give me a gateway to
answer any questions that may arise during construction of the robots, as
well as giving the students a forum to discuss the project with each other.
IV. Utilize Media and Materials: Prior to the start of the lesson I will make sure that
the video I created will work correctly in the classroom. I will also make sure the
equipment I need to play the video is available to me. I will also communicate with the
technology coordinator from my school to ensure the equipment works properly. Many
times schools block YouTube, and therefore if needed I will download the video to my
computer prior to the start of class. I will also make sure the Voki is able to be heard
and seen, even for the children sitting farther back in the classroom. Before the start of
the robotic project, I will check all of the hummingbird kits in order to assure that all
motors, sensors, servos, and lights are available to the students and working properly.

3. The Twitter account will be created prior to the first class and I will maintain the
account in order to keep up with the student’s process.
V. Require Learner Participation: I have created a video with extensive pictures, as
well as other videos, to enhance the learning environment. I will avoid lecturing the
whole class and by showing the introductory video and allowing the students to build a
pulsar robot they will have a hands on way to learn about the rotation. The students
will be working together to complete the robot and this will also be a way I can
informally evaluate the students. They will be able to discuss with each other, as well as
other groups in order to understand the concept of pulsar astronomy. The students will
also be encouraged to ask questions as they arise. This will increase in class discussion.
I will have other students try to answer the question first, giving them the opportunity
to teach each other while I facilitate the discussion.
VI. Evaluate and Revise: I will assess classroom comprehension through class
discussion and participation. The students will need to be engaged with each other
throughout the class and I will also give them credit for the posting their reflection to
twitter. I will be able to revise my lesson after reading their reflections and getting their
feedback from the class Twitter account. I will also asses their ability to work in groups
during their robotics project. The final grade for the robotics aspect of the unit will be
evaluated on the last day of the unit.