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How It Works:
Thirty-two first grade gifted students travel on a virtual expedition into
the watery world of seahorses during this exciting eight-week
interdisciplinary unit. Reading, writing, science and higher level thinking
skills increase as students: use a classroom aquatic library to read about
seahorses, participate in hands-on activities, conduct scientific experiments,
utilize online and technology resources to collect and organize information,
and travel on virtual field trips to view seahorses and determine how they
have adapted to their environment. A culminating activity is a field trip to
the Pet Supermarket to observe sea horses in their natural habitat. Parents
are also invited to the classroom to observe student dioramas, bottle
habitats, and exhibits and to read a Seahorse Class Book.
Standards:
Language Arts
Students use the reading process
effectively: students comprehend information read about
seahorses (using this information in weekly journals, in online research, and
investigations using a CD-ROM).
Language Arts
Students use writing process
effectively: students produce documents (poems, Seahorse Class
Book, homework) about sea animals that have
organization, correct punctuation and capitalization.
Science
Students
describe patterns of structure and function of living things: students create habitats.
Technology
Students use
technology to create, revise and verify information (Seahorse Class Book
publication, use of CD-ROM and Internet research).
Estimated Class Periods To Complete:
10 or more
Software Materials Used:
The project is designed for a classroom setting with one or
more computers. Internet connection, printers, seahorse books from the
classroom library, and resources from the community are necessary for
successful completion of this project. Maps and globes, overhead projector and
a school media center are also recommended.
Keywords:
Seaweed, coral, seashore, brine shrimp, fin, marine, fish,
tail, snout, dorsal, brood pouch, hatch, eggs, mouth, warm water
Students:
Thirty-Two first grade gifted students participated in
daily science, language arts, and technology sessions for eight weeks. This
project can be adapted for other grades and academic levels and can be
modified for both large and small groups.
Overall:
The project improves reading, writing, and science skills
as well as word processing and research abilities using classroom resources
and the Internet. As students participate in science, language arts, and
technology activities, their enthusiasm and overall attitude towards learning
is increased.
Tips:
Information on seahorses can be located in the school media
center and public library. No-cost videos and films may also be available
through the District media division or the public library. Speakers from local
science and university departments can be contacted for school site visits.
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About the Teacher:
Carol Langford is a National Board Certified Teacher. As a
professional educator for over 20 years, she has taught at all levels from
elementary through graduate school, and has received numerous awards for her
teaching abilities. She has served as a peer mentor, lead teacher, and school
leader for most of her teaching career. Her accomplishments include developing
and writing curriculum, publishing primary science units over the Internet,
authoring and co-authoring numerous grants to provide up-to-date technology
for her school, and creating gardens, ponds, and murals for student science
inquiry at her school.
Subjects:
Science
Grade Levels:
1 - 12
Email
Carol
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