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.

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