Funding sponsored by:
www.qad.com
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Project Description: This unit integrates the use of technology assisted learning and allows students to conduct research using internet resources, to present information and findings using computer drawing and publishing software, and to share their work with others on the world wide web. The unit begins with the study of two famous fossil hunters, Sue Hendrickson and Mary Anning, and how their discoveries add to the body of knowledge about the existence of dinosaurs. Students participate in a virtual field trip to the Field Museum to visit the dinosaur named Sue. They participate in a simulated fossil dig and use the Fossils For Kids web site to identify and classify various fossils. Internet and text resources are used to author individual dinosaur reports which are used to prepare Dinosaur Fact Pages published as a book and on the school web site.
How it works: In this unit students gained science knowledge and presentation skills utilizing technology in a meaningful and engaging way. Students learned research, listening, speaking, reading, and writing and presentation skills as they participated in a study of famous fossil hunters, a virtual field trip to the Field Museum to meet a dinosaur named Sue, a simulated fossil dig, and internet research leading to completion of a dinosaur report.
Using the knowledge and information gained through the report writing activities, students then designed individual dinosaur information pages using the Pages presentation program and KidPix for the illustrations. Students used the computer and KidPix tools to draw and save two or three pictures illustrating a specific dinosaur. The students wrote individual handwritten dinosaur reports.
They then used information contained in the reports to record three important facts about the dinosaur for the Did You Know? section of the dinosaur page. Students wrote True or False statements to further describe the dinosaurs. Students wrote captions for two illustrations to be used on the dinosaur page.
Students learned to use text boxes and to export and import the KidPix drawings into a Pages document on the computer. Students prepared the dinosaur facts pages using the Did you Know and True or False statements and answers and placed the KidPix illustrations onto the page. The dinosaur pages were printed to compile a class book. They were also shared on the classroom presentation system and published on the school web page.
Assessment: Students were guided during the research period and met daily with the teacher to review research notebooks and materials. Second grade writing rubrics and a rubric for assessing animal reports were used by students in writing project work. Teacher observation was used to evaluate science lab activities and classification of the fossils and to evaluate the use of technology and computers.
Standards:
California State Content Standards for Grade Two are addressed as follows:
Science - Students learn that fossils provide evidence about the plants and animals that lived long ago, and scientists learn about the past history of Earth by studying fossils.
Technology - Students communicate information and ideas effectively to multiple audiences using a variety of media and formats.
Students apply digital tools to gather, evaluate, and use information.
Students locate, organize, analyze, evaluate, synthesize, and use information from a variety of sources and media.
Students demonstrate a sound understanding of technology concepts, systems, and operations. They select and use applications effectively and productively.
Language Arts- Students read and understand grade level appropriate material. They draw on a variety of comprehension strategies to generate and respond to essential questions, make predictions, and compare information from several sources. Students report on a topic with facts and details, drawing from several sources of information.
Students write clear and coherent sentences and paragraphs that develop a central idea. Their writing shows they consider audience and purpose. Students progress through the stages of the writing process prewriting, drafting, revising, editing, and publishing their work.
Estimated Number of Class Periods for Students To Complete Unit: Eight (8)
Software or Materials Used: Software used includes Pages 09, KidPix Deluxe 3X, and Word. Computers, Internet Connection, and a Color Printer are required. A Classroom Presentation is desirable.
Keywords:Fossils Dinosaurs Science Second Grade Writing Research Skills Primary
The Students: This project is appropriate for elementary aged students. It addresses the content standards for Grade 2 students. Students need basic reading, writing, keyboarding and drawing skills.
Overall Value: Children have a natural curiosity and interest in the world of dinosaurs. Students participating in this unit gain science knowledge and presentation skills utilizing technology in a meaningful and engaging way. Students learn research, listening, speaking, reading, and writing and presentation skills. They are motivated to share their work with others using the world wide web.
Subject Area: Science/English
Grade Levels: Grades 2-8
Tips for the Teacher:Students are motivated to learn more about dinosaurs through exciting children's literature. Some recommended books include: Mary Anning and the Sea Dragon
Stone Girl, Bone Girl, Aliki Fossils Tell About Long Ago,
Gail Gibbons' Dinosaurs ,The Dinosaurs of Waterhouse Hawkins, and
If You are a Hunter of Fossils by Byrd Baylor.
Other resources online include:Sue at the Field Museum http://www.fmnh.org/sue
Zoom Dinosaurs http://enchantedlearning.com
Fossils for Kids http://fossilsforkids.com
Dino Cyberhunt http://www.scholastic.com/activities/dinosaurs
