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How It Works:
“Com-Post With Us” is an environmental project that will allow students
at Southside Elementary to broaden the existing recycling program started
last year. Students will continue learning the importance of recycling and
conservation through programs such as: “Waste Warriors” who collect papers
for recycling, and “Cartridges for Kids Club,” which promotes recycling of
cell phones and printer cartridges in exchange for money. Students will
continue to study the impact of waste on our environment and will gain
insight on ways to protect it through conservation. The new added features
of this project will include: creating a compost for the purpose of using
its contents for fertilizing, and planting several gardens, such as,
vegetables, flowers, fruits, etc., which will be used as scientific
laboratories for conducting experiments. Through lessons generated from the
Department of Environmental and Resource Management (DERM) website, as well
as a website created solely for this project, students will learn about the
different recycling programs offered to their community, and how waste is
discarded. Field trips to the Environmental Center to learn about
composting, and to a recycling plant, will also allow students to learn
first-hand how both of these processes are done. Finally, students will work
in collaborative groups to present a multimedia project on composting and
recycling at the end of the school year.
Standards:
The National Standards addressed in this project are: Language Arts, Math,
Science, and Technology The National Educational Technology Standards (NETS)
addressed in this project are: (1) Basic Operations and concepts (3)
Technology Productivity Tools (5) Technology research tools (6) Students use
technology resources for solving problems and making informed decisions.
Estimated Class Periods To Complete:
9
Software Materials Used:
Students need to have access to the Internet, Inspiration (which can be
downloaded free for a 30 day trial), a presentation software program, and
finally, a projector to show the presentation to peers, staff, and parents.
Keywords:
Composting, Recycling, Environment, Waste
Students:
This project is designed for third through fifth grade students but can be
adapted for any grade level. This project would greatly benefit academically
challenging students because they would be working in collaborative groups
where everyone has an equally important role.
Overall:
The most valuable feature of this project is that students will learn to
work with each other, in a heterogeneous setting, while gaining an awareness
of environmental needs facing the world today. Through the use of
technology, field trips, and hands-on activities, students will become
proactive in an environmental issue. They will learn that the home, school
and community must work together for a common purpose. Through this project
students will be engrossed in learning a variety of skills while having fun
creating, collaborating, and problem solving. When learning is meaningful it
becomes long lasting. Effective uses of new media include the integration of
the latest technologies with the curriculum, replacing sometimes outdated
and boring textbooks. Through the commitment of teachers, students, parents
and the community, this project will enthusiastically spark learners to
begin making commitments that will help save our world.
Tips:
When selecting the groups of students, make sure that each group is
heterogeneously comprised of academically challenged and advanced students.
Students should have some knowledge of a presentation program, such as
PowerPoint
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About the Teacher:
Rosa Duarte is in her 29th year working for
Miami-Dade County Public Schools. Holding a Master’s Degree in ESE, she
specialized in autism. She was a Staffing Specialist 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/ Webmaster at Southside Elementary. She has
been awarded several Success Grants, Citibank FamilyTech Grants from the Ed
Fund, AT&T Teachnet Grants, and IMPACT II Disseminator Grants.
Subjects:
Math & Science
Grade Levels:
K - 12
Email
Rosa
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