HOW IT WORKS
Help Save a Life! is a science-based unit that creates awareness about marine life—specifically sea turtles. The students first read books and other research obtained from teacher-approved Web sites. They are then placed into groups where they are in charge of creating a specific part of a PowerPoint magazine after having mini-lessons on how to use the software to help create their slides (two per group). After learning that sea turtles are endangered, the students are given a problem-based-learning question: What can be done to help these turtles? One answer is to raise money for an organization that assists sick and endangered marine life. The class writes letters to organizations requesting information. The groups discuss effective ways of public speaking and each member is assigned a specific part of a speech to present. The groups rehearse in front of their classmates before venturing out to other classes. They also create colorful posters to reminder students to donate money. By sharing speeches over the PA system, the students reach the entire school population.

Each week, the students collect money from containers placed around the school and graph the results using Spreadsheet in AppleWorks. At the end of the fifth week, they complete adoption forms and write mock checks that are sent with letters from the students explaining what they learned about sea turtles, their interest in saving these and other marine life animals, and a summary of their efforts to raise money.  

THE STUDENTS
Thirty-two heterogeneously grouped fourth grade students participated in this project, which is appropriate for higher grades. Lower grades can easily adapt with some minor accommodations such as omitting some of the main activities and using AppleWorks (Presentation) instead of PowerPoint. The students receive computer training in the computer lab along with training in the classroom. They are placed into groups where performance levels vary, and are provided with three extra classroom periods per week to complete the project. It can be adapted to a smaller or larger group, and children of all performance levels can take part and feel successful.  

THE STAFF
Cheryl-Ann Beharry has taught first grade for one year and fourth grade for two years. This is her first year designing and implementing Help Save A Life! As an educator, she understands the importance of computer skills and constantly tries to incorporate technology into every subject. Although this program can be done without assistance, obtaining help from an outside source such as a computer teacher is recommended.

WHAT YOU NEED
In order to complete this program, the teacher must have access to computers. Software programs such as PowerPoint, Print Shop, Adobe Photoshop, and AppleWorks (Spreadsheet) help create an enhanced version of the program, but it can be completed on AppleWorks using Word Processing, Spreadsheet, and Presentation. A scanner is not necessary; students can photocopy and paste pictures into their printed magazine. The students also need to have books on sea turtles.  

OVERALL VALUE
Students need to understand how humans affect their environment. They grow as individuals and learn the importance of research and how to present it using technology. Their self-esteem is developed through group work, speech presentations, new software programs, raising money for a cause, and knowing that they can make a difference in the world. Help Save a Life! meets standards across major subject areas (math, reading, science, and technology). It involves every type of learner and the end result will last a lifetime.