A Whirlwind Tour

How It Works:

A Whirlwind Tour is a simulation science project specifically designed to teach students about volcanoes, hurricanes, and tornadoes through the use of the Internet. It is based on interactive units that will build students’ research skills.  The purpose of this project is to integrate reading, writing, science and technology using a collaborative model where groups of students will be able to work, research and create a presentation.  A scenario leads the students into the simulation which begins the project.  Here, students will be able to have fun with role playing, while simultaneously learning and applying their adventures to real life situations. They will pretend to be the Director of a Hurricane Center at a university who has been invited to teach elementary students about volcanoes, hurricanes, and tornadoes, but he has to re-research all the information on the Internet.  A series of activities, created on both sides of the spectrum, guide the students in their search for information.  Each activity  has specific links that make it easy for beginners to navigate without difficulty, as well as allowing high tech students to create a unique presentation using their wildest imaginations.  

Once students reach a particular site, it is up to them to gather the information to be used in the presentation.  However, the sites used are on-line interactive sites such as The Weather Channel and Florida International University Hurricane Center, where authentic data is presented. A sample lesson consists of easy to read, comprehensive, and step by step directions. For example, students have to compare and contrast two volcanoes.  A link to Volcano Adventure takes the students to the site where they will choose which volcanoes to compare.  After all lessons are completed, students then gather and compile their information to begin creating their presentation.

Standards:

1. The student uses the reading process effectively.

2. The student uses the writing process effectively.

3.  The student understands that most natural events are often predictable and logical.

Estimated Class Periods To Complete: 10 or more

Software Materials Used:

Students need to have access to the Internet.  They need a word processing program such as Microsoft Works, Word, or Claris Works to copy and paste information, then add graphics, maps, and graphs to their document. They need a printer and a scanner or digital camera for embedding information brought from other sources.  A digital video camera is a must for iMovies. A presentation program such as iMovie, PowerPoint, Inspiration, HyperStudio, or the like is needed to produce the final presentation.  And finally, a projector to show the presentation to peers, staff, and parents.

Keywords:

Volcanoes, Tornadoes, Hurricanes, Science, Natural Disasters, Earth Science, Weather

Students:

This project is designed for fourth and fifth grade students because the standards are geared to those grade levels; however, younger or older students, as well as teachers, may use the activities to learn how to use the Internet for research.

Overall:

The  most valuable feature  of this project is that students will be engrossed in learning a variety of skills while having fun creating, collaborating, and producing authentic projects.  When students are involved in hands-on self-motivated activities, self-esteem is raised, consequently increasing  student achievement.  When learning is meaningful it becomes long-lasting.  Effective uses of new media include the integration of the latest technologies with the curriculum and replacing sometimes outdated and boring textbooks.  Using online inquiry through weather web sites,  students can receive up to the minute information, making learning exciting and meaningful.

Tips:

When selecting the groups of students, make sure that each group is heterogeneously comprised of academically challenged and advanced students.  Allow students to come up with their own ideas for the presentation.  Acknowledge creativity and uniqueness.  Invite parents, community members, and staff to see the presentations. 

About the Teacher: 

Rosa Duarte is in her 25th year in Miami Dade County Public Schools.  Holding a Master’s Degree in ESE, she specialized in autism. She was  a Staffing Specialist in Region 4 and  a District Support Teacher for the Autistic Program.  She received her Educational Specialist in Computer Applications and in 1996, became the Technology Coordinator/Computer Teacher at Southside Elementary, where she teaches the Academic Excellence Program as well as computers to K-5 students.  As Web master, she publishes their Southside Express and has been awarded a Success Grant, the Citibank FamilyTech Grant from the Ed Fund, and AT&T Grants. Her students are part of the Citibank FamilyTech program which provides computer training and computers to students, teachers, and parents.

Subjects:  Science

Grade Levels:  4 and 5

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