Here are my responses to George Gerrietts and Juna Snow. I have also added a note to Tammy Barcalow and Jamyce Punch.
Space Science by George Gerrietts
This type of approach to learning is very
effective with all students. All students benefit from being able
to explore any interesting topic. Space Science would be very appropriate
for 4th graders. I especially like the way you suggested that specific
sites were selected ahead of time. This will facilitate the young
Internet user in the skills of research. Besides using just the answers
to the questions for evaluation, the report method is very effective and
an excellent way for students to show off what they have learned.
Some questions that I would consider:
(You may have this figured out already, but I did not find this information)
1. What is the time frame for this unit.
Is one quarter long enough for students to complete all tasks?
2. What type of facilities work
best with this type of web search? Do you have one or two computers
in the room? Will you be using a computer lab?
3. Do students only work on this during
the allotted science time? Or are they allowed to work on this at
any time during the day to best utilize one or two computers.
My husband and daughter both majored in
astronomy and we have some Web sites that seem an excellent source
for your Quest.
http://www.earthsky.com
http://www.skypub.com
http://www.sciencedaily.com
http://antwrp.gsfc.nasa.gov/apod/astropix.html
http://www.stsci.edu
I also really like http://www.EnchantedLearning.com/subjects/astronomy/
This site is sponsored by Disney and they
have questions linked to answers, as well as quizzes, puzzles, class activities,
and “Fun Things.”
Response to Juna Snow on Ecolit
I was unable to link to your EcoLit project,
but since it is your Master’s project, I assume that this is under construction.
Being a veteran 2nd and 3rd Grade teacher, I thought some practical advice
on this area might be beneficial. At the second grade level, vocabulary
and reading levels as well as technical knowledge are factors for students.
The encyclopedia-type style is a necessary beginning step, but might be
frustrating for those students with limited vocabularies and comprehension.
Several proposals mention the Web Quest
type of interaction. This might be one way to approach your ideas
to involve the students. Certain questions can be linked to a particular
website and the student is required to search for the answer. Two
students working together would be helpful. You might even need an
older student or parent to guide their search. At the 3rd grade level,
our students research dinosaurs in this method. They are also able
to produce a final project on KidPix or ClarisWorks to show what they have
learned.
Students can become very involved
with Earth Day projects. It is very important to introduce this concept
to young learners so they can become the Caretakers of the Planet.
Be patient and make adaptations
when working with 2nd Graders. They are still learning basic computer
skills.
One internet site that I like using
with my class is:
http://www.EnchantedLearning.com
You will have to go to Rainforests.
This is a site from Disney that links questions with the correct answers.
Internet Rock Hunt by Tamera Barcalow
The Rock Hunt Webquest sounds very well developed. I like the way that you have made sure that this quest is linked to the Illinois Standards that we are so familiar with. I have come across a CD entitled: Earthquest from Science Online. It comes with a Pockets Rocks & Minerals book. The CD is compatible for Macs as well as Windows. This is an interactive quest where the participants search for clues and bring back the rocks and minerals needed.
Response to Jamyce Punch Math
Your project sounds like a very realistic
way to present mathematics to high school students.
Here are a couple of web sites that may
facilitate your proposal:
http://www.wolfram.com
http://galaxy.com/galaxy/Science/Mathematics/Geometry.html