Andrew Fairchild teaches 9th grade living environment at a new high school in Queens, New York. He has 5 years of teaching experience overall and this is his second year teaching at this school. He uses a three-point method for instruction, assessment, and content repetition. He breaks content into digestible chunks and designs hands-on activities and experiments to engage students in science, such as designing paper airplanes to learn the scientific method. He utilizes Turning Point assessment software and a class website to incorporate 21st century technologies into teaching.

1. Andrew Fairchild Empire State College Teaching and Curriculum Introduction September 18 th , 2011

2. Summary of Pre-MAT Background Grew up in Spokane, WA Attended Northwestern University from 2002-2006 and graduated with a BA in neurobiology 1 year as an Americorps member working at a community health center in Manhattan

3. Currently… Teaching 9 th grade living environment at the High School for Community Leadership (located in Jamaica, Queens) 2 nd year teaching at school (school was founded last year with a freshman class of 100 students) 5 th year teaching overall

4. Persona Humorous Easy to talk to Fair Firm Excited about science

5. My 3 main points of instruction Before each lesson and unit, I map out these three items. Furthermore, it is a complete cycle; the results of my assessments determine what content needs to be repeated.

6. Classroom Instruction Use of prior knowledge: ILPE method

7. Multiple Learning Activities Introducing the content in various ways Hands on Activities Visuals Readings and Discussions

8. Teaching Style I break down the content into digestible chunks, and think of the following questions when designing a lesson

9. In order to get students excited about science… … they need to be conducting cool, purposeful experiments. Designing paper airplanes in order to learn about the scientific method Conducting research in the field to learn about human’s impact on the environment Dissecting a shark to learn about organ systems Listening to heart rates before and after exercise to learn about homeostasis

10. Use of 21 st century technologies Use of Turning Point Software Makes assessment more interactive and enjoyable Helps students to receive feedback sooner Helps in item analysis and long term tracking of student performance

11. Use of 21 st century technologies Website Purposes

12. Use of 21 st century technologies Dissection Camera Helps students keep pace with dissection and helps model the cuts and incisions I want them to make