Help Save A Life!
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.
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