Mary W. McCall
Learning Center Director
Evergreen Elementary School
Title
The Rainforest Walk
Subject
Science
Purpose/Goal
To meet the gifted goals in District 25 which is to provide instructional differentiation through independent projects;
and learn related sdills for research and development of higher level thinking skills.
To meet the technology goal of District 25 which is to integrate technology into the curriculum.
Context/Setting/Environment
This project would be done within the Academically Talented program at Evergreen School. At the present time the internet connection is in the Learning Center.
Time Frame for Carrying Out Project
This project is set within a ten week segment of the Academically Talented program. The students will be using this internet project for approximately one hour a week for six to seven weeks. This segment of the study of the rainforest is placed after the brainstorming session and assignment of partners and will cultimate with a group presentation..
Learner Description
The class consists of twelve students in grade 4 who have been identified as academically gifted and are part of a pull out group which meets three times a school year to work on projects generated from the interest of the students.
Learner Outcomes
Students will be able to have a basic knowledge of :
- various animals that can be found in the rainforests
- use the internet for research as applicable for a grade 4 student
- demonstrate knowledge of sending email
- integrate the acquired knowledge and skills in the final class presentation
Project Description
The project,Rainforest tour, was designed to provide a technology piece to an existing written rainforest project that is used by the Academically talented children in grade 4. The teacher presenting this theme for grade 4 asked me to help integrate technology into the gifted curriculum as well as provide the students with research skills peculiar to the internet and telecommunications. The children are told that they are traveling through the rainforests of the world, looking for animals that they can use for an Alphabet book. In preparation for this project, students have written to author,Kristin J. Pratt, who wrote and illustrated A Walk in the Rainforest.
Assessment of Students
Students will be assessed by using a form found on the DATA page of the project. This tool allows for diffentiating thinking skills,, higher level thinking skills, and a measure of ability in using internet and telecommunications skills. This is an ongoing project in which the students will eventually be able to add various animals they have researched through the internet and from other sources.
Evaluation of the Project
The project will be used as soon as our internet connection is completed.
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