HOW IT WORKS
Out of This World is an interactive program
that involves science, language arts, and technology. It enables students to explore
the solar system from their classroom, using
both the Internet and books for research
purposes. The students design and create a
journey into outer space, whereby they visit the
nine planets and the sun using the software of
HyperStudio. The solar system is an exciting,
highly motivating subject for the students and
is part of the curriculum. All of these factors
combined make a truly exhilarating experience.
The students discuss the nine planets and their relationship to the sun.
They identify pertinent information needed regarding each
planet. A worksheet with relevant questions is
devised based on their discussions. Students
are cooperatively grouped, and each group is
assigned a planet. Each child has a specific
responsibility to fulfill for his or her group. They
research their planet using the Internet and
books, and organize and paraphrase
information for their written report. Each group puts
together an oral presentation on their planet.
The written information is entered in
ClarisWorks. Pictures of the planets are created in
Kid Pix Studios, and are then scanned in. Slide
shows are created illustrating such events as a
solar eclipse, a planet’s rotation, moons
orbiting their planet, etc. A Hyperstudio program is
developed using buttons and hypertext links.
There are several techniques in which class
time is divided to implement this program.
Whole class lessons serve as an introduction,
along with a good deal of cooperative group
work. Some research is performed individually;
each student has a certain responsibility that
needs to be accomplished. The class has a computer schedule that they adhere to. A daily
schedule allows each child to receive
approximately a half-hour per day of computer time.
THE STUDENTS
There are 30 fifth graders in the classroom.
This program is appropriate for all types of
learners, especially with the use of the
multimedia program HyperStudio.
THE STAFF
Catherine Donaruma-Canzoneri has been teaching for nine years.
She is presently a staff developer in PS 90Q participating in CSD
27’s Professional Development Academy. She
is the District 27 computer contest winner for
1997 and 1998. Jennifer Saksa also assisted
on the project.
WHAT YOU NEED
Materials include Internet access and
computer programs such as ClarisWorks, Kid Pix
Studios, HyperStudio, and Grolier’s
Encyclopedia. Four computers and a scanner are
connected to a color printer in the classroom.
Research materials are located in the school
library and the neighborhood branch of the
New York City Public Library.
OVERALL VALUE
In Out Of This World, students gain the necessary
tools to research topics, write reports, and
create exciting, informative presentations. They
journey not only to outer space, but also towards the road of
higher thinking skills with the use of these vital elements that
technology supplies. Creating a program in HyperStudio
opens new doors for students to experiment
and deepen their understanding. Working in
cooperative groups has many benefits, such as
team building skills, using individual talents for
the success of the group, etc. This program
appeals to all types of learners. Out Of This World
sets the students up for success, reinforcing
their self-esteem.
|
