201 Wendell Rd.
New Salem, MA 01355
978.544.6926 (voice)
978.544.2253 (fax)

Principal:
Sheila Hunter

Staff E-mail link

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It's Not Easy Being Green: Plant Studies for Active Learners
2001-2002 Lighthouse Technology Grant
1st and 2nd Grades

 

Project Summary:
This innovative technology-rich curriculum improves an existing, 10-week FOSS (Full Option Science System) Life Science plant curriculum. Three multi-age classes of first/second graders (about 40 students) engage in several inquiry-based, real-world science activities focusing on plant diversity, growth, life cycle, and anatomy. Teachers integrate field trips and guest speakers to maximize interest and broaden educational experience. Projects include hands-on experiments, written observations, data analyses, math applications, Spanish-language vocabulary instruction, and artwork. Age-appropriate computer activities emphasize systematic investigation, comparison, and classification.

Integrating technology improves student learning in several areas. Students use computers, digital cameras, and microscopes to reinforce and extend science concepts introduced in class. They take advantage of Internet Web sites to explore several regions around the country, comparing and contrasting plants in these geographic areas with plants growing in their local community. They team up with their 5th/6th grade reading buddies to participate in the Web-based Journey North International Tulip Study involving students from across the country. They share information with peers, teachers, and community members through oral presentations (in class and at school-wide assemblies), staged performances, and art projects. As youngsters engage in real-world science using computer-compatible microscopes and other technology tools to obtain plant information, they begin to think of themselves as real scientists and learn to appreciate the work that scientists do. They also begin to make thoughtful, informed decisions about science processes, biological diversity, and environmental protection.

For more information, contact the classroom teachers:

Janet DuCharme
Carolyn Croteau
Victoria Munroe

Click to view pdf file.

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Principal: : Sheila Hunter
Swift River School
201 Wendell Rd.
New Salem, MA 01355
978.544.6926 (voice)
978.544.2253 (fax)

Web Site: Christine