proposal.html

Internet Search on Springfield, Illinois
by Dianne Fulton

Introduction: I plan to introduce the Internet as a tool to finding out information. This will increase the background knowledge of my 3rd Grade class in our social studies curriculum. I plan to work by myself on this project. I wanted to utilize available technology that would extend one's capabilities to learn and have experiences beyond the current text.

Background: The theme for 3rd Grade Social Studies is the "Community." I plan to use Internet sites to increase the student's awareness and knowledge of the community in which we live, Springfield, Illinois. Springfield is a capitol city that is rich with historic relevance. I feel that this project would be a valuable resource to all of the 3rd Grade teachers in Springfield. This project will provide information about Springfield that students might not be aware of.

Planning: After researching what web sites are available in our city, I would provide questions that the students would research and answer. The topics that I plan to use correlate with our Social Studies curriculum.
    city government                city utilities                firemen, policemen
    city parks, recreation      city libraries              fun places in our city
    city museums                      historical sites in our city

Possible software                                       Possible hardware
Netscape Navigator                                    digital camera
CD's                                                                    scanner
Streets 98                                                        TV, VCR
Eudora (e-mail), Outlook Express...

Extensions of this project:
1. Each student will find the location of their home and school on "Streets 98".
      They would be able to trace their route to school as well as write their address.
2. The class would find and correspond with another 3rd grade class in another
      "Springfield" using Eudora. ( I plan to use either Springfield, Massachusetts, or
      Springfield, Missouri.)
3. Establish the groundwork for a videolink with Mayor Karen Hasara.
4. Use the digital camera and video camera to bring in pictures of our favorite
      Springfield sites.

Evaluation: The students will display adequate skills using the net by accurately answering all questions about Springfield, Illinois.

My questions and concerns:
1. What is the most efficient means available to have all students be able to use the
one Internet hookup in the classroom?
2. Can we use the dynamics and requirements of this Internet search for the entire
year as we go through each part of the social studies text?