Buzzing with the Bees
Project
URL:
http://teachers.ithsnyc.org/
landerson/bee/homepage.htm
How it works:
This project is comprised of many
step-by-step lessons in Flash animation with screen shots and clear
directions. It enables students to be creative, solve problems, and
enhance their technological development. They create a bee and other
illustrations separately, then combine them and "tween" or animate their
bee. Students complete many complicated steps along the way, however, the
lesson is orderly and clear and most students should be able to complete
the project. A rubric outlines expectations for students, and there
are many examples of student projects from which to draw
inspiration.
Standards addressed:
Students
apply technological knowledge and skills to design products to satisfy a
variety of needs, and understand and gain proficiency in Flash animation
software.
Materials used:
The program makes use of
a computer lab with Macromedia Flash software and an Internet
connection.
The students:
These lessons are
appropriate for students from fifth through twelfth grade. Students do not
need any special technology skills, and lessons can be adjusted to the
level of the students. The program provides challenge to more advanced
students and allows for simplicity for the less technological/academic
student.
Overall value:
Buzzing with the Bees is highly motivating and it will be very easy to engage students,
who will enjoy creating the illustrations and animating the bees. If
possible, create a web page to display their work and share it with the
school community.
Tips:
While students enjoy their
work, they can become impatient and it can be difficult for the teacher to
assist them. Walk around the room in an orderly path and assure them that
you will get to everyone. You may also want to demonstrate the steps using
an LCD projector. Enlist a student who is familiar with the program to
assist others.
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About the teacher:
Laura Anderson is a
math/technology teacher at Edward A. Reynolds West Side High School in New
York City. She has been teaching for 20 years and currently teaches Web
Design, Mathematics, and Oracle Internet Academy.
E-mail:
LauraJaneAnders@aol.com
Subject
Areas:
Science
Mathematics
Technology
Grade
Levels:
5-12 |