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Big
Picture
Equipped with floppy disks, students record
results of their scientific observations in computer journals. They
learn about the scientific method in their own school garden and urban
orchard. Community based organizations contribute to their investigations
that in turn are shared with family and other classes on the World
Wide Web. |
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Details
Art, Language Arts, Science,
Technology
Grades 3–5 |
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Highlights
Key Questions: How do microorganisms
affect our world? How are animals adapted to meet basic needs? How
do plants with cones make and protect seeds? Students come up with
the right stuff when they: |
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Gather first hand information.
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Collect and analyze
data. |
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Interpret how research
affects their lives. |
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Post findings to their
computer journal and the Internet. Community links encourage students
to look beyond the printed page for answers when they interview and
interact with visiting professional and amateur scientists. Special
emphasis is on the school garden and orchard. In June, students, family
members, and community participants gather in their beloved orchard
to celebrate the life process. |
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Teacher Profile
Bill is Science Specialist and Network
Administrator at Louis Agassiz Elementary School. MetroLINC Technology
Pioneer and Bell Atlantic EdLink Awardee, this BPS Lead Teacher and
Science Facilitator contributes to Outdoor Curriculum . Currently
instructing at BPS Office of Technology, Bill publishes science web
pages with universal accessibility.
wganter@boston.k12.ma.us
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Books and Materials
The Outdoor Classroom Curriculum
and Urban Fruit Guide by Diane Goldman Curran & Bill Taylor,
Earthworks Projects Inc.; "Animals, Cells and Microorganisms" and
"Plant and Animal Life Cycles", from Discovery Works, 1998:
Silver Burdett; art supplies |
Technology Tools
Computers, digital camera, scanner,
Claris Works, Internet |
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