Sea Life Exploration
Project URL: http://teachersnetwork.org/teachnet-lab/ps1/echristian/
How
it works:
During this
program, students obtain basic knowledge of animal life in the ocean. They
become aware that sea life has an impact on our environment, and that our
environment has an impact on sea life. They become aware of the many
different available research media (literary and reference books,
encyclopedias, computer software, the Internet, etc.) and resource sites
(class, school, and public library; Internet Web sites; etc.) and
learn to utilize these media and resources to facilitate their study. They
are introduced to the computer and other technology tools that can enhance
their study, and have hands-on opportunities to obtain basic knowledge and
skills to use some of these tools. Sea Life Exploration provides a
starting point for further integration of technology into class
projects.
Standards
addressed:
New York
State
Learning Standards addressed include using
scientific inquiry to pose questions, seek answers, and develop solutions;
accessing, generating, processing, and transferring information using
appropriate technologies; understanding and applying scientific concepts,
principles, and theories pertaining to the physical setting and living
environment and recognizing the historical development of ideas in
science; applying technological knowledge and skills to design, construct,
use, and evaluate products and systems to satisfy human and environmental
needs; understanding the relationships and common themes that connect
science and technology and applying these themes to various areas of
learning; and applying science, technology, and thinking skills to address
real-life problems and make informed decisions.
Materials
used:
Equipment used includes tape recorders, a TV/VCR, digital cameras,
projectors, and a computer with Internet connection. Computer software
includes an Internet browser," webbing" software such as Inspiration, word
processing software such as AppleWorks, Student
Writing
Center, or
Microsoft Word, and digital image-editing software such as Adobe
Photoshop. Other media includes
books and videotapes related to sea life/ocean animals.
The students:
The target student grade
level is 2 through 4. Students involved in this program
have been heterogeneously grouped second graders in P.S. 1’s
science cluster class. Many of these students were in dual-language
classrooms where they were taught in both English and Chinese. Most
students did not have access to computers at home. Therefore, our lesson
plans include basic computer training sessions.
This program can be
developed with monolingual, bilingual, and dual-language students. They
would need to know or learn how to alphabetize, use chapter books, tables
of contents, and book indexes and develop basic computer skills.
Overall value:
Although it has a science
theme, Sea Life Exploration is an interdisciplinary study that also
incorporates social studies, art, reading/writing, and technology. It
employs inquiry-based learning by soliciting questions and answers from
students and allows them to take charge of their own study and decide what
specific sea life subjects they will focus on. It emphasizes the
importance of research and provides strategies and tools in building
students’ research skills. It introduces the many ways computers and
technology can be used to enrich the learning experience.
Tips:
Encourage your students to talk and
write about their work. Ask questions that will generate interest and
enthusiasm about the topic. Make connections between the class study
and the outside world, and create environmental awareness and a personal
sense of responsibility. Utilize the wealth of information on the Internet
from printed and videotaped resources for student and
teacher.
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About the teacher:
Eleanor Christian is
a
New York
State- and
New York City
-certified
early childhood teacher with over 30 years of teaching experience. She
holds a Master of Science degree in Education and an ESL ancillary
license. Presently, she serves as an Early Childhood Science Cluster
teacher at P.S. 1 in
New York City’s Community
School District Two. In addition to her regular teaching assignments, she
has participated in many special school programs and projects, and served
in many school committees and leadership team capacities. She has also
taught educational courses at a local community college. Ms. Christian collaborates on this program and lesson plan
units with her two colleagues – Amy Hom, who is a Standards Staff
Developer, and Kathy Huey, who is a Technology Staff Developer.
Email: echristian@onebox.com
Subject Areas:
Science
Social
Studies
Grade Levels: 2-4
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