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Project URL:
http://teachersnetwork.org/everywhere/
Vaillancourt/dinotracks.htm
How
it works:
This website is the culmination
of a project developed in conjunction with The College
of Staten Island (CUNY) Discovery Institute Science and
Technology Expo and The American Museum of Natural History's
Educator's Summer Institute. The students decided that
they wanted to collaborate on a discovery-based project,
and they chose the subject of dinosaurs. After much research
and planning, the students designed, uploaded, and monitored
the final product you see here.
Standards addressed:
At
the culmination of this unit, students will be able to
meet the following standards in science and technology:
Demonstrate understanding of biological evolution; Demonstrate
understanding of evolution, diversity, and adaptation
of organisms; Demonstrate understanding of big ideas
and unifying concepts; Demonstrate undertstanding of
the designed world; Demonstrate understanding of the
impact of technology; Use evidence from reliable sources
to develop descriptions, explanations, and models; Works
individually and in teams to collect and share information
and ideas; Acquire information from multiple sources;
Explain a scientific concept or procedure to other students;
Communicate in a form suited to the purpose and the audience;
Demonstrate scientific competence by completing a design;
Use technology tools to enhance learning, increase productivity,
and promote creativity; Use telecommunications to collaborate,
publish, and interact with peers, experts, and other
audiences; Use a variety of media and formats to communicate
information and ideas effectively to multiple audiences;
Use technology to locate, evaluate, and collect information
from a variety of sources.
Overall value:
Students are integrally involved in their
own learning. It is experiential in that science and
technology are integrated for the final task. Students
were able to see how web-based instruction can connect
other schools and locations around the globe. Students
wanted to extend the outreach further to connect with
elementary school children on the topic of Dinosaurs. Students
were highly motivated as they volunteered their time
outside of the school day. They worked together and chose
topics that they were very interested in researching.
It is suitable for all age groups and abilities.
Tips:
The students pretty much dictate
how it is to be designed. It can be adapted for children
with varying abilities and can also accommodate students
with disabilities. The American
Museum of Natural History is an ideal resource on
this subject as it has one of the most exhaustive exhibits
on dinosaurs. If you cannot visit in person, use their
online resources at www.amnh.org.
If you or your students lack the necessary technology
skills, involve another teacher or a professional with
web design ability. Look for tech workshops offered to
teachers in your area--many are low-cost or free to educators.
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Teacher: Kimberly
Vaillancourt
About the teacher:
Kimberly Vaillancourt is a science teacher at Curtis High School
in Staten Island, New York. She maintains her own web site at: www.classroom2classroom.net/nyc
E-mail: kimva10301@aol.com
Subject
Areas:
Science
Technology
Art/Design
Grade
Levels:
9th - 12th grades
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