Our
Savage Planet in the News
Procedures for Teachers
Procedures
for Teachers is divided into four sections:
Prep -- Preparing for the Lesson.
Steps -- Conducting the Lesson.
Extensions -- Additional Activities.
Tips -- Managing Resources and Student Activities.
Prep
Computer
Resources:
You will need at least one computer with Internet access to complete
this lesson. While many configurations will work, we recommend:
-- Modem: 28.8 Kbps or faster.
-- Browser: Netscape Navigator 3.0 or above or Internet Explorer
3.0 or above.
-- Macintosh computer: System 7.0 or above and at least 16 MBs
of RAM.
-- IBM-compatible computer: 386 or higher processor with at least
16 MBs of RAM, running Windows 3.1. Or, a 486/66 or Pentium with
at least 16 MBs of RAM, running Windows 95 or higher.
.
Software:
-- Any Word Processing Program (i.e., MS Word, Corel WordPerfect,
AppleWorks, etc.)
-- MS Powerpoint or HyperStudio can be used by students to add
a multimedia presentation to their final project.
Bookmarks:
Before students begin the activities, have them bookmark the following
sites according to their groups.
Volcano Research Group
Storms Research Group
Deadly Skies Research Group
Extremes Research Group
Extensions
Have students
prepare a natural disaster evacuation plan for a particular natural
event. Some possible Web sites to use include:
http://coastal.er.usgs.gov/hurricanes/
http://www.nssl.noaa.gov/
http://www.nssl.noaa.gov/hazard/
Have students create a small booklet containing summaries of people
who have survived natural disasters.
STANDARDS
For applicable standards see:
www.mcrel.org
Tips
Students often
work most effectively in small groups to develop projects. Encourage
them to share what they are learning with each other, as often
explaining things to another person helps clarify one's own understanding
of a concept.
Give students time to discuss what they are learning. The lesson
activities will be most beneficial when the students have some
background exposure to the topics.
Encourage students to support their views with evidence from the
sources they are researching.
The use of different symbolic representations such as art and
music is extremely helpful in integrating knowledge. Encourage
students to think across disciplines.
One Computer in the Classroom
If you have access to one computer in your classroom, you can
organize your class in several ways. Divide your class into two
groups. Instruct one of the groups to do paper research while
the second group is working on the computer. Bring in books, encyclopedias,
and other materials from the library for the group doing paper
research. Lead the group working at the computer through an Internet
search or allow the students in the class to take turns. (Always
have a set of bookmarks ready for the students before they start
working on the computer, in order to show them examples of what
to look for.) When the groups have finished working have them
switch places.
If you have
a big monitor or projection facilities, you can do Internet research
together as a class. Make sure that every student in your class
can see the screen, go to the relevant Web site(s), and review
the information presented there. You can also select a search
engine page and allow your students to suggest the search criteria.
Again, bookmark and/or print the pages that you think are helpful
for reference later.
Several Computers in the
Classroom
Divide your class into small groups. Groups can do Internet research
using pages you have bookmarked. Group members should take turns
navigating the bookmarked sites.
You can also
set the class up so that each computer is dedicated to certain
sites. Students will then move around the classroom, getting different
information from each station.
Using a Computer Lab
A computer center or lab space, with a computer-to-student ratio
of one to three, is ideal for doing Web-based projects. Generally,
when doing Web-based research, it is helpful to put students in
groups of three. This way, students can help each other if problems
or questions arise. It is often beneficial to bookmark sites for
students ahead of time.
Submit a Comment:
We invite your comments and suggestions based on how you used
the lesson in your classroom.
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