Exploring the Everglades

How it Works:

Exploring the Everglades is a unit that enables teachers to expose their students to the Florida Everglades without ever leaving their classroom. This unit is an interactive unit that utilizes many sites. The Florida Everglades is a unique environment that is home to many different animals, plants, and people. Some of these are unique only to the Everglades. There is no other Everglades in the world. The Everglades is one of the most threatened National Parks in the country. Man has a greater impact on the Everglades than any other species; this unit permits students to understand that they can make a difference in preservation of the Everglades and other National Parks. 

Exploring the Everglades has many lessons that can be used across the curriculum. Not only are students viewing the Everglades, they are developing opinions about the Everglades and its importance to the environment. Students also become familiar with the Internet and various computer software, as this unit incorporates activities in which the students are required to create graphs, use word processing and create PowerPoint projects. The unit promotes the use of higher order thinking skills. Students are also encouraged to work together in cooperative teams, or groups. 

Standards:

Students will understand the value of the Everglades to all of South Florida and the USA.
Students will obtain an appreciation for the total environment. 
Students will be active thinkers and committed to environmental problems related to their environment.
Students will use technology to collect, organize and publish data.
Students will use technology resources for solving problems and making informed decisions.

Estimated Class Periods To Complete: 7

Software and Materials Used:

This unit requires use of the Internet. A word processing program and a printer are also necessary. Microsoft Word is recommended for its graphing tools. Also, a PowerPoint program is necessary for the culminating activity. Trade books about the Everglades and other National Parks will be helpful to provide additional information. Lastly, index cards and construction paper will be needed.

Keywords:

Florida, Everglades, animals, wetlands, marsh, bog, Lake Okeechobee, Everglades National Park, hammock, pine land, scrub, Florida panther, Seminole, Miccosukee

Students:

This project was originally designed for students in Florida. However, it would be beneficial to students all over the world. It is geared towards students between fourth and sixth grade.

Overall Value:

The unit is unique in that it allows students to view the Florida Everglades and it incorporates higher order thinking skills. It uses a multimedia approach and new media in helping students to recognizing the importance of The Florida Everglades and other National Parks.

Tips:

It will be helpful for teachers to preview and book mark the Web sites prior to implementing this unit. They might want to investigate other National Parks.

About The Teacher:

Kim Hammon has been teaching for twelve years and currently teaches at Bel-Aire Elementary School in Miami Florida. She presently teaches third grade. However, she has taught second grade as well as fourth grade. She has just completed her Masters Degree in Reading and is the School Site Coordinator for the Citibank Family Tech Program. 

Mario Rivera has been teaching for seven years. He is currently teaching a fourth/ fifth combination class. He is the Citibank Family Tech Parent Trainer. They both enjoy living in South Florida and take preserving the Florida Everglades seriously.

Subjects: Science and Social Studies

Grade: Six

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