Naturally
Disastrous!
Project
URL:
http://teachersnetwork.org/teachnet-lab/motthallschool/asalcedo/
DisasterUnit/mainframe.htm
How it works:
Naturally Disastrous is a WebQuest devoted
to causes of natural disasters and how to survive one. Given that
the world climate has changed due to recent disasters, this program
addresses some student concerns about how these disasters happen,
what to do if one occurs, and what preventive measures to take. The
students research these topics on the Internet and create an informational
brochure in cooperative groups, as well as a presentation that can
be put into Web site, PowerPoint, or display board format. This project
helps to ease fears and erase myths while providing valuable knowledge
and skills.
Standards
addressed:
Students use general
skills and strategies of the research, writing, and editing process;
compile information into written reports or summaries; learn to ask
"why" questions to seek greater understanding concerning
objects and events they have observed and heard about; describe the
effects of environmental changes on humans and other populations;
know the characteristics and uses of computer software programs, word
processors, and desktop publishing software; and import, export, and
merge data stored in different formats.
Materials
used:
Required materials include
computers with Internet connection and MS Word or Publisher and MS
PowerPoint software. If the display board format is used, then board,
markers, glue stick, scissors, and construction paper are needed.
If the final product is a PowerPoint presentation, a projector and
a screen are needed.
The students:
Students should have
moderate experience with Word or Publisher software and need to be
able to copy, cut, and paste information and pictures from the Internet
into MS Word, Publisher, and/or Web editor. Cooperative groups of
three must be heterogeneous, and each group should contain someone
with leadership and/or good organizational abilities.
Overall value:
Through this project,
students learn to use online resources and learn how to prepare themselves
and their families in the case of an emergency. Students feel they
are doing something positive by showing people ways they can help
those affected. Given the volatility in the world's ecology, this
unit is not only educational but practical as well.
Tips:
Teachers should spend some time showing students how to make a correct
citation. The following link is a good place to start: http://oslis.k12.or.us/elementary/
index.php?page=citeSources
|
About the teacher:
Anthony Salcedo is laptop
coordinator at the Mott Hall School, the first inner city public school
to start a laptop program. He was a keynote speaker at the Microsoft
Laptop Summit 2000 in Seattle, Washington, and has presented at numerous
technology conferences around the country. He has received recognition
from three superintendents for his achievements, is a certified NFTE
instructor, and has worked as a translator in the Caribbean for the
United Nations. He was an adjunct instructor for NYU and Mercy College
and is in his 13th year of teaching in the New York City public school
system.
Email:
asalcedo@motthall.echalk.com
Subject Areas:
Science
Language Arts
Technology
Grade Levels:
7-9 |
