HOW IT WORKS
Fishing
for Math, Science, and Social Studies is an
interdisciplinary program that links
curriculum from those three subjects to
help develop literacy among ESL students.
The program allows them to understand how
stories, ideas, and methods from Native
American cultures can be scientifically
explained and validated. Students are
first exposed to stories about Native
Americans, specifically the story about
the Indian Squanto and how he helped the
Pilgrims grow better crops by planting
fish remains along with the seeds. Then
they are asked to write about Squanto and
explain how he helped the Pilgrims
survive. Afterwards, students test
Squanto’s method of soil fertilization
by conducting experiments in which some
seeds are watered with tap water while
others are watered with fish tank water.
They monitor the growth over several weeks
and display information in the form of
graphs, tables, and drawings. While
investigating the increased growth of the
fishtank-watered plants, students contact
various “experts” in the community via
telephone, the Internet, letters, and
visits. Some of the contact locations are
the Alley Pond Environmental Center,
the New York Hall of Science, the
Queens Botanical Gardens, and local garden
shops. They then conduct additional
experiments with water and soil testing
kits to find what additional nutrients are
found in the fish tank water. Follow-up
activities include integrating the
knowledge obtained into a class project.
Through this program, students see the
importance of recycling, conservation,
ecosystems, and interdependence among
living organisms.
THE
STUDENTS
The initial participating class was
made up of 20 third grade ESL students
(P.S. 11Q). The hands-on approach helps to
enhance their language skills while at the
same time integrates math, science, and
social studies curricula in an authentic
learning experience.
THE
STAFF
Mary Ahern has been teaching ESL since
1992. Prior to teaching, she worked as an
International Sales Manager. She
understands that most employers are
looking for problem solvers and team
players. She tries to instill these
qualities in her students.
WHAT
YOU NEED
This program uses picture books and
videos about Native Americans and the
Pilgrims such as Squanto, Friend of the
Pilgrims by Clyde Robert Pulla and Squanto
and the First Thanksgiving (video) by Eric
Metaxas. The program builds upon previous
learning activities about fish, digestive
systems, nutrients, seeds, ecosystems,
recycling, graphing, and letter writing.
It also requires a classroom aquarium
(with fish, tadpoles, or both), planting
materials (seeds, soil, and pots), a
computer with access to the Internet,
measuring tools, a camera, soil/water
testing kits, and various materials for
recording and graphing results.
There
will also be a class trip to the Queens
Botanical Gardens, the New York Hall of
Science, and local gardening and florist
shops.
OVERALL
VALUE
Fishing for Math, Science, and Social
Studies is an interdisciplinary approach
to learning. The program allows the
students to observe, record, investigate,
and communicate with a purpose. All of the
children, regardless of language ability,
are able to learn together through the use
of hands-on activities and cooperative
learning. The program engages the learners
and encourages them to be researchers,
investigators, and problem solvers.
Students participating in this project won
Second Honors in the 1999-2000 District 30
Science Fair. The program can be easily
adapted to any classroom.
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