Information Collection and Analysis
Below are many examples of curriculum-based projects designed using Information Collection and Analysis activity structures.
The Web sites mentioned in Judi Harris's Virtual Architecture are marked with a book icon:
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7. Information Exchanges
8. Database Creation
9. Electronic Publishing
10. Telefieldtrips
11. Pooled Data Analysis
Other Works Cited
Structure 7: Information Exchanges
Acts of Kindness
Grades: K-8
Ongoing? Yes
Need a smile? You’ve come to the right Web site! The Acts of Kindness
site has a simple purpose – it is a place for children to tell about
something they did to make the world a happier place. They use an
online form to describe what they did, and the project organizers post
the story (along with many others) online.
Boil,
Boil, Toil and Trouble: The International Boiling Point Project
Page 34 of Virtual
Architecture
Grades: 3-12
Ongoing? Yes
Students around the world report the boiling point of water in their
locale. Once there's a large enough sample size, visitors will be
able to see relationships between boiling point, elevation, and a
number ofother factors. This is a solid example of
multi-disciplinary (as wellas multi-participant!) learning.
Bucket
Buddies
Grades: 1-5
Ongoing? Yes
Bucket Buddies is a collaborative environmental study that poses the
question “Are the organisms found in pond water the same all over the
world?” Students collect water from a nearby pond and identify
the macro invertebrates present. The findings from all
participants are shared in the Discussion Area of the Web site, giving
all groups of students the opportunity to compare their data with other
students’ data from around the world. Corresponding lesson plans
are provided in the Teacher Area. Important information about
joining the project and various deadlines can be found in the Project
Information section of the Web site.
A Change
of Seasons
Grades: 1-12
Ongoing? No
Students from Canada, the United States, and Australia used a handy
online form to submit weather data collected locally, recording
observations such as "clothing required for the day" and "plant
changes." Participants viewed the database of observations and,
based on the data it contained, made generalizations about weather
patterns around the globe.
"Chewing
the Fat"
Page 34 of Virtual
Architecture
Grades: 3-12
Ongoing? No
Language teachers and their students will get a kick out of this
site. Here, you will find a collecti! on of slang (all clean)
from around the world. One good one is "Wind yer neck down," which
means "wisen up" according to folks in Derry, Ireland.
Circle
of Seasons
Grades: 1-6
Ongoing? Yes
A telecollaborative project in which younger students collect and
publish primary source data on seasonal changes in Calgary, Alberta,
Canada. The students share their data with students from other
parts of the world, collecting information and pictures from other
schools and their local weather patterns. The site also includes a
habitat section showing different animal habitats during the changing
seasons. This project is perfect for teachers looking to
telecollaborate within science curricula with other schools.
City Quest
Grades: K-5
Ongoing? Yes
Available in three languages and begun by three elementary teachers
from three different countries and continents--USA, Netherlands, and
Japan--City Quest offers a tour of historical communities around the
world. Using the Internet and other forms of technology, these
three classes were able to share with each other about the historical
landmarks and buildings in their hometowns. Beginning in the
2000-2001 school year, the three participating teachers have asked
other schools around the world to submit reports about the historical
significance of their hometowns. All the reports from all
participating schools are available for your perusal. The Web
site leads you through the submission process if you and your class are
interested in having a report about your community featured on the City
Quest Web site. There are also many suggestions for incorporating
City Quest into social studies, writing, reading, and technology
curricula. Once you and your students have taken advantage of all
the information offered, use this newfound knowledge to play the online
game!
Come
Grow with Us
Grades: K-3
Ongoing? Yes
Come Grow with Us focuses on the life cycle of plants and compares
growth data in various environments. Students germinate seeds,
record the plant growth over eight weeks, and graph the data.
Students are also asked to keep a journal and photographs of their
plant growing process. Students then share their data,
observations, and pictures at the project’s Web site. The site
also provides a list of activities and extension activities, as well as
a Teacher’s Page with procedures for preparing the seeds for
germination, worksheets, and templates for data recording. A
links to additional resources and to the relationship of the project to
science and technology standards are provided.
Down
the Drain
Grades: 4-8 (but can be modified for high school students)
Ongoing? Yes
Water, water, everywhere! Down the Drain asks students compare their
own water usage to that of people in other parts of the world. They
spend a week collecting information from household members and
classmates to determine the average amount of water used by one person
– after completing data collection, students predict what they will
find and then test these hypotheses by analyzing the data. Students
submit data online for analysis and can periodically download the
results as spreadsheets. Classes have the option of posting student
work online. Rich resources for teachers include lesson plans (the
charts are really handy!), links with water-related information and
online conversion calculators, and the online help page which contains
links to several “ask an expert” sites dealing with science,
environment, and water.
Explor-a-Pond
Grades: K-12
Ongoing? yes
There’s more to these ponds than tadpoles! In this project, classes
from all age groups study pond ecology and create a database of pond
descriptions. Once classes register, they submit their pond for
approval. After approval is received, they upload images of the pond’s
environment, information and images of the animals observed at the
pond, and additional data. Resources for teachers include detailed
lesson plans and activities that go along with the project, and links
to additional pond math, science and other online collaboration
activities. A special collaborative highlight of the site is the “Pond
Talk” electronic bulletin board to which students and teachers can post
questions and comments. Classes that don’t have access to a nearby pond
have the option of creating an online “virtual pond.” Math teachers: be
sure to check out the pond math activities.
Fit For
Life Nutritional Survey Project
Grades: 2-8?
Ongoing? Yes
Are your students eating the recommended number of servings of fruits
and vegetables? Do they even have an idea of what they ARE eating? This
project will help them figure that out for themselves. Using an online
survey form, students track and calculate their average intake for each
of the five food groups for five days. Then they calculate their class
average, post it to the Web site and view their results as compared to
past averages over the last several years. The goal of the project is
to increase student awareness of the kinds of foods they eat.
Global Grocery List
Project
Pages 34-35 of Virtual
Architecture
Grades: K-12
Ongoing? Yes
As the title implies, this project invites youngsters from all over to
report prices on various grocery store items. Students can then
compare their data with that of people in other areas, and even in
other years. (The project is in its 16th year!) This is a
well-conceived project that helps students better see their role in the
real world.
The GLOBE Program
Grades: K-12
Ongoing? Yes
Students from over 6,500 schools in over 80 countries use the Internet
to report and publish environmental observations from their
schools. This site is full of resources, discussion boards, data,
and guides on how to plan an implement GLOBE research with
students. This project will help students to become scientists
with a worldwide audience!
Grandmother
and Me
Grades: K-12
Ongoing? Yes
KIDPROJ is a multilingual project dedicated to the appreciation of
grandmothers around the world. The heart of the site contains short
descriptions (organized by country) that students have written about
what they call their grandmothers, what they like to do with them, and
why their grandmother is special. The “Inventions and Granny’s Age”
page encourages children to use their imaginations and think about the
things we have now that weren’t around when their grandmothers were
children. Don’t miss “grandmother’s storybook” which is made up of
stories written by children and translated into multiple languages by
visitors to the site. Kid’s portraits of their grandmothers fill the
pages of the site with smiles.
Hummingbirds: Operation
Ruby Throat
Grades: K-12
Ongoing? Yes
The target audience of this site is K-12 students in North and Central
America although anyone interested in hummingbirds is invited to
participate. The site can be accessed in either English or
Spanish. Operation Ruby Throat is intended to inspire a spirit of
cooperation by sharing data and observations about the behavior and
distribution of ruby throated hummingbirds. There are four
categories of activities suggested for class use with this site.
The first category is Basic Activities and Observations; these
activities are short-term and suitable for any age. This category
also has links to puzzles, quizzes, and coloring pages focusing on
hummingbirds. The second category, Research Projects, is geared
toward high school and advanced junior high students and the projects
are long-term. The third category is Cross-Disciplinary and
provides ideas for incorporating science into the arts and
humanities. The fourth and final category is
Inter-grade/Inter-school. The site also provides links to
details on how to participate, how to submit data, informational sites
about hummingbirds, hummingbird photos, and tips for attracting
hummingbirds. The Hummingbird Hobnob is an online discussion
group that can also be accessed from the Operation Ruby Throat site
International
Home Remedies
Page 34 of Virtual
Architecture
Grades: K-12
Ongoing? Yes
This is an unusual and interesting project in which English as a Second
Language students share home remedies from their countries. This
is a unique approach to multi-cultural education, as well as good
practice in writing for a worldwide audience.
Junie B.
Jones Favorites: Book Review Project
Grades: K-2
Ongoing? Yes
Managed by a first grade teacher named Marci McGowan, this site is
devoted to the fictional life of Junie B. Jones. If you choose to
register for the project (which is optional) you will be sent project
updates via email. The main activity of the project is to read
Junie B. Jones books, write a class review, and email it to Ms.
McGowan, who posts it on the project’s Web site. Also, if you did
any special activities related to the book, include details of it with
your review. Some classes include illustrations. Guidelines
are on the Web site for participating and writing a basic review.
There is also a list of resources related to Junie B. Jones.
Money Around the World
Page 34 of Virtual
Architecture
Grades: 2-12
Ongoing? No
You can almost hear the multi-lingual voices of friendly studentsin
this project's Web site. Here, students from all over were
invited to use an e-mail list to discuss minimum wage, item costs, and
other money-related topics. Because participants were enco!
uraged to communicate in their native tongues, this project supported
social studies, math, and language learning while helping participants
to reach out to others.
Plant
Growth and Change
Grade: 4
Ongoing?: No
A fun site that provides an example of using technology in conjunction
with science to encourage interest in plants. Originally a
telecooperative project, students tracked plant growth and then shared
their observation data online with peers at other schools.
Although several of the links no longer work, the site is a great
example of how to establish a telecooperative science project and even
provides samples of the students’ results. An excellent way to
introduce science-related technology projects in your elementary
classroom. Be sure to check out the stop
motion video of plant growth.
Project
Lunch
Grades: 1-5
Ongoing? Yes
Students around the world collect data on what their classmates are
bringing or buying for lunch for one week. Students then create
graphs illustrating the most popular choices. You may use
graphing software--a link to Create-a-Graph
is provided--or you may scan and email student drawings. You are
also encouraged to send word problems based on your graphs'
information. Once all data are collected and sent to the project
coordinators, they analyze the data to see if there are any regional
trends. Finally, compare what your class likes to eat with what other
classes around the globe are eating!
Seasonal
Changes Through Our Eyes and Yours
Grades: K-5
Ongoing? Yes
In this project students observe the changes in a specific tree,
clothing worn, temperature, and the sunrise and sunset during the fall,
winter, and spring seasons. There are specific lesson plans to
follow for each of the observations at each of the different
observation times. The students then record their observations on
the data gathering form provided at the Web site. Using the Web
site, students share their data with other participating schools.
Using the data posted, students are able to analyze, compare, and draw
conclusions about their environment in relation to environments around
the country. Extension activities and standards alignment are
provided as well.
Tooth
Tally Project
Grades: 1
Ongoing? Yes
This project has more loose teeth than a heavyweight championship! As
students in participating first grade classes lose their baby teeth,
they pin paper teeth to their class tooth tally board. At the end of
each month, the teacher sends the total to the project's Web site.
where it is posted online for comparison with other classes in their
group. Highlights include children's descriptions of the tooth fairy,
links to several classes' tooth tally websites, and suggestions
provided by ! teachers on ways to incorporate this project into
existing curriculum.
Traveling
Kids
Grades: K-5
Ongoing? Yes
What attractions do kids think are the most fun to visit? Let
them be the experts! Traveling Kids asks students to use KidPix
to write about and illustrate what they think is the most exciting
place to visit in their state. Each description and illustration
should also include the name and address of the attraction as well as
the best time of the year to visit. A printable student
instruction sheet is available. You may also hop on a virtual
tour bus and explore the various attractions submitted by other
students in many of the 50 states!
What Are
My Roots?
Grades: 2-12
Ongoing? Yes
Here’s something any student would love – a chance to talk about
himself! (In the process students gain a better understanding about
where they came from and where they would like to go.) This project is
part of the “Who am I?” program sponsored by KidLink. Over a period of
eight weeks, students look back at their immediate ancestors, their
family origins, what life was like in the time of their ancestors, and
their contributions and responsibilities to their descendents yet to
come. Resources include project goals as they relate to subject areas
ranging from Language Arts to Math and Science. Students use email and
Internet resources to work in groups (both in class and online) to
gather, analyze and present their findings and opinions. The Teacher
Module Menu link at the bottom of the home page includes detailed
instructions, lesson plans, and tips.
A World Community
of Old Trees
Page 34 of Virtual
Architecture
Grades: K-12
Ongoing? Yes
Based on the philosophy that humans are part of rather than separate
from nature, this site's founders have created a digital tree
sanctuary. Students and artists are invited to send in photos and
drawings of trees as they see them. Visitors are also encouraged
to download other's images,manipulate them, and submit them to the
site--an interesting twist in makinga truly interactive
"gallery." You will also find personal reflectionson trees (many
of them rather moving) that various artists have published.
Back to Top of
PageStructure 8: Database Creation
Multi-Cultural Calendar
Page 36 of Virtual
Architecture
Grades: K-12
Ongoing? Yes
This site contains a huge searchable database of holidays around the
world. Teachers might also enjoy tips on
integrating this site into the social studies, math, language arts, and
physical education curriculum.
Square
of Life: Studies in Local and Global Environments
Grades: K-5
Ongoing? Yes
Another excellent project from CIESE Online Classroom
Projects! Students will plot square meters on school grounds
and collect data on the living and non-living things found in each
square meter. They will then share this information through an
online database with other students around the country and the
world. Once all data has been posted, students will compare and
contrast their data with the information provided by other
students. Classroom curriculum, including lesson plans, is
provided as is the project’s alignment with national standards.
There is also an extensive list of online
reference materials for use by both teachers and students.
Structure 9: Electronic Publishing
Amelia’s
Adventures
Grades: 2 & 3
Ongoing? No
Kids love to read about Amelia Bedilia – here is a site that gives them
a chance to continue imagining her adventures! The site contains a
number of fun activities for Amelia fans. In one, students have written
short stories (with illustrations) about one of Amelia’s new
adventures. Another section contains an illustrated dictionary of words
found in Amelia’s story. Even others include math word problems based
on Amelia, student summaries of the book, and role playing interviews
with characters from the book. One highlight of the project was an
opportunity to submit your own stories to add to the new adventures
section.
Animated
Patterns
Grades: K-8
Ongoing? No
This small site provides an example of electronic publishing of student
work using simple geometric animations. Ideal for connections to
the math. curriculum, an explanation of the process used to create the
animations is provided and each student’s example can be viewed.
@rt room
Grades: K-12
Ongoing? Yes
Created as a virtual classroom, “the @rt room is a place for kids to
explore their inner and outer worlds.” There are several
different types of art activities to help engage students in this
exploration. There are “Sparkers” which are short activities
intended to jump start students’ artistic minds; then there are
“Thinkers” which inspire students to think like artists. A
section titled “Artifacts” presents information about famous artists
and works of art that may not be familiar to most people. The
“Gallery” section displays students’ artwork from around the world and
gives students an opportunity to enjoy what their global peers have
created. There are two separate links which list recommended
books and recommended links respectively. The “Archives” list
links that were once featured on the site and still considered
valuables resources. Finally, there is a teacher resource
sections specifically for art educators.
Arviat
Iglu Web Site
Grades: K-12
Ongoing? Yes
The creators' aim for this site is the promotion of Inuktitut (a
language spoken by some Canadian Inuit people) literacy and the use of
syllabics. Many of the sections include no English text, but all have
numerous photographs. Perhaps the most interesting section to the
general educational context is the "Elders" section in which interviews
of Arviat elders conducted by two local high school students about life
before the Inuit started living in "modern" Western style houses. Audio
excerpts of the interviews as well as English summaries are included.
Bats:
Masters of the Night
Grade: 2-3
Ongoing? No
This simple site provides an example of electronic publishing of
student work. A second grade class researched, wrote poems and
stories about, and made various images of bats. Bat-related
learning activities are suggested in writing, art, and science.
The site also contains links to other projects completed at the school.
Castles
Under The Rainbow
Grades: K-2
Ongoing? No
Based around the children’s book Skycastle by Sandra Henken,
this site has some excellent curriculum ideas connected to history,
art, literature, and writing. Each classroom involved in the
project focused on one particular area related to castles and then
posted their experience on the site. Particularly helpful are the
extensive notes for teachers about how to structure the project. Also,
be sure to check out the medieval
feast page…they show you how to create the menu!
Children's Express
Grades: 2-12
Ongoing? Yes
Prepare to be amazed! This online news magazine will knock! your socks
off! Children's Express is produced by children aged 8-18 in several
locations in the U.K. The site includes a behind-the-scenes description
of the complicated processes behind creating a high-quality news
publication. In addition to reading the stories, other students are
invited to email the production teams about stories currently being
written, or they can volunteer to be interviewed. Past stories are
archived online, and the site includes a library with a search feature
to look up previous articles. The UK project has been in place since
1995, and similar Children's Express groups are working in the U.S. and
Japan.
China
Web Site
Grade: 6
Ongoing? No
Does your class need a well-researched reference for information about
China? This site contains student-created Web pages on such
topics as Chinese history, religion, geography, art, culture, food, and
medicine. The project was created specifically for students to
learn about the economic and cultural traditions of the Asian Rim, and
provides a good example of a simple research-based electronic
publishing project.
Count
My Spots
Grades: K-3
Ongoing? No
Does your class love ladybugs as much as this grade 2 class does?
If so, this site is an exemplary example of an electronically published
unit related to the insect. It includes student artwork, science
reports about ladybugs, pictures of ladybug-related fieldtrips, and
even a section of poems about things
that “bug” the students. Excellent cross -curricular example
of electronic publishing.
Faces of the
Olympics
Grade: 4-10
Ongoing? No
Everyone has a story to tell! In the months before the Sydney Summer
Olympics, students were invited to discover an Olympic story in their
own locality and share it with the world. They were to choose someone
with an Olympic story to tell, interview her/him, and email the story
and picture to the site's creators. Story templates and suggested
interview questions helped students structure and focus their work.
Once received, the stories were indexed. Highlights at this Web site
include information on how the project addressed Australian teaching
standards, and ! a thorough list of links to Olympic-related cites.
Fairy
Tale and Folk Tale CyberDictionary
Grades: Designed for 1st, but can be adapted for slightly older groups
Ongoing? Yes
"G" is for great idea for younger students! "W" is for "way-cool"site!
Designed to be used as part of a fairy tale or folk tale unit, students
listen to a fairy tale and then retell the story in their own words,
creating an illustrated "Cyberdictionary," with one entry for each
letter of the alphabet. Entries are comprised of a picture and
accompanying sentence using the word. Teachers can request that their
class' dictionary be posted to the project's Web site. In addition to
the stories and dictionaries, the site includesonline jigsaw puzzles
for students to solve, detailed instructions for teachers, and creative
suggestions from teachers on how to integrate the project into
elementary curriculua.
Generations
Can Connect
Grades: 5-12
Ongoing? Yes
Want a unique writing project for your students? Are your
students yearning for a vivid historical experience? Or perhaps
you just want to give your students a chance to make a senior
smile? The Generations Can Connect project may be just what
you're seeking. Developed by the Government of Canada, this
project assists schools in developing a "searchable, digital record of
the memories, personal treasures and contributions of senior citizens
to the development of their communities and their country." To do
this, students interview seniors about special memories or treasured
objects. Students then follow a template to write up their
interviews and publish them on the WWW, adding to the existing list
of profiles on this website. A teacher new to Internet use
will be pleased to find an easy-to-follow step-by-step
guide that will help them through this process.
Holocaust
Studies: The Eleventh Hour Collection Project
Grades: 9-12
Ongoing? No
A moving site that electronically publishes student work from a
Holocaust survivor project. Grade 9 students interviewed and collected
archival data on Holocaust survivors, then posted their findings in
creative presentations on the Web site. Check out the
flash presentations to see examples of high-quality Web pages
students are capable of producing. This project idea is an
excellent way to encourage social responsibility, historical awareness,
and technological skill in your high school classroom.
International
Children's Art Exhibits
Grades: 3-10? (No set age limit, but ages of exhibitors range from
8-16.)
Ongoing? Yes (Has been ongoing since 1996.)
The goal of the Creative Connections yearly International Children's
Art Exhibit is to showcase the artistic talent of young people from
around the world while fostering cross-cultural understanding. Each
year, students are given a theme (2001's theme was "Windows, A Look
Into Our Lives") around which to create a piece of original artwork.
The best pieces are selected to be included in the site's online art
show.
KidMath
Grades: K-8
Ongoing? No
Struggling to make math fun for your elementary classes? This
site provides samples of creative math problems that are fun for kids
to solve and allows them the opportunity of using the technology in
your classroom to find the answers. The site also includes links
to other math problem sites such as a soccer shootout
and math baseball.
An excellent site for adding some fun to your math curriculum, the site
is also good example of creative electronic publishing.
Kidnews
Grades: 3-8?
Ongoing? Yes
Kidnews has every flavor of children’s writing you can imagine! This
collection of student writing ranges in topic from local news stories,
sports reports and movie reviews to poetry, opinions and pen pal
matches. Don’t miss the collection of small- scale writing projects
(mostly teachers and students who have sent in calls for collaboration)
in the Parents and Teachers Menu.
Kids' International
Peace Museum
Grades: K-3
Ongoing? Yes
Full of student-created "exhibits" on peace, this site has a lot to
teach any visitor. The solemn ambiance of the site is interspersed
withhumor, as exemplified by one student's definition of peace: "When
my brotherisn't home there is peace." Young students around the
world are welcometo contribute to this virtual museum.
Kids’ Space
Grades: K-10 (through age 16)
Ongoing? Yes
Kids' Space is an online, commercial-free publishing site for students
16 years and younger. The three sections begin with one for
creative products including art, creative writing, collaborative books,
and music. The second section focuses on global communication for
kids by providing a safe environment for keypals, a bulletin board for
posting questions, and sharing information, a “village” for kid’s
personal homepages, and a section for external links that have been
carefully screened. The third and final section focuses on
teaching kids how to use the Internet effectively and efficiently.
MidLink Magazine
Page 37 of Virtual
Architecture
Grades: K-12
Ongoing? Yes
This well-designed "Digital Magazine by Students, for Students" is full
of articles and projects that explore a range of topics. Article titles
that might pique your interest include: Native American Geometry,
IHave a Dream, Too, and the Virtual Quilt. Teachers will be pleased to
findclearly written guidelines for submissions, time lines, and tips
for participating in this project.
National Student
Research Center
Grades: 5-12
Ongoing? Yes
Since 1992, the NSRC has provided a model for students to engage in
scientific research, and a place for them to publish their
work. Each "e-journal" contains student-written articles divided
into the familiarsections: statement of purpose and hypothesis,
methodology, analysis ofdata, summary and conclusion, and
application. This would be a greatmodel for science (and language
arts) students to read before launchingon their own research.
Moreover, it could be a worthy goal for studentsto be published in this
e-journal.
Newsday Project
Page 37 of Virtual
Architecture
Grades: 2-12
Ongoing? Yes
Students produce news stories based on certain themes (e.g., "world
visions") and post them on the Newsday Web site on specified
dates. A look at some of the examples
makes it clear that these are weeks-long projects that engage a number
of academic skills.
Postcards from Paul
Grades: 5-8
Ongoing? Yes
Looking for a project that combines creativity with geographical
research? The BunyanKids site takes a giant step in that direction.
"Postcards from Paul" asks students to create their own tall tale while
learning more about a particular world landmark. Classes register with
the site, but registration is free and helps prevent "landmark overlap"
between groups. For each postcard, students write short stories about
how Paul Bunyan might have created a landmark (either natural or
man-made). Next, they describe the landmark andits real background.
Finally, they include an image of the landmark andannotated links
providing the reader with additional information. The siteincludes an
online template for students to use to create their postcard entries.
SchoolNet
News Network
Page 37 of Virtual
Architecture
Grades: 4-12
Ongoing? Yes
This professional-looking Web site features monthly e-zines filledwith
articles written by kids for kids. Recent topics have been school
violence, summer jobs, and hockey. A special bonus: The
site is in both French and English.
Sci-Journal
Grades: 9 -12 (and college)
Ongoing? Yes
If it looks like a professional journal, reads like a professional
journal, and is written by students, what is it? Sci-Journal is an
online science journal written by students in school and college. Most
of the articles were originally papers for classes. Once it has been
posted to a site, readers are encouraged to participate in an online
discussion of the article via a discussion list. Resources include
submission guidelines for students and short summaries of each article.
This is a good resource for students in search of science project
inspiration.
TOPICS Online Magazine for
ESL Learners
Grades: 7-12
Ongoing? Yes
TOPICS is an online magazine where ESL students write about their
interests and ideas. By reading these accounts students can
explore an international landscape. The writings are organized
under topics such as current issues, food pages, meet people, and
globalization. All topics are listed on the sidebar to the
left. Pictures are included with most topics. Back issues
are also available. The site also includes a Teacher’s Corner
where ESL teachers can share ideas for class projects and instructional
strategies. Close supervision is suggested as some topics may be
inappropriate for younger readers (i.e. tattoos).
Structure 10: Telefieldtrips
Virtual Class Fieldtrips
Fifth
Grade Internet Flying Adventure
Grades:5-6
Ongoing? No
Take off for adventure with your students without ever leaving the
ground! Follow along with Mr. Beamer's fifth grade class as they
tracked his flight from Indiana to the Pacific in an ultralight
aircraft. Students helped him to build the plane and develop his daily
flight plans. They alsoread daily dispatches of his travels. Resources
include some excellent aeronauticssites, history of aviation links, and
information about all of the placeshe visited.
Historic
Lac la Biche
Grades: K-8
Ongoing? No
This Canadian project showcases student project work on curriculum
topics such as local history, science, athletics, and the arts in the
form of a virtual tour, or telefieldtrip to Lac la Biche in Alberta,
Canada. Be sure to also go on the "Cyberbug Tour"
of Sir Winston Churchill Provincial Park, created by grade 2
students and their teacher.
Mrs.
Mirissette's Class Visits the Center of Native Arts in Woolwich, Maine
Grade: 3
Ongoing? No
Visit this travelogue, complete with photos and student artwork, of a
class fieldtrip to a Native American arts center.
Museum
Connections
Grades: K-6
Ongoing? Yes
A telecollaborative project, Museum Connections takes students on a
journey to the past through museums to learn about the world and
themselves. The homepage provides a list of essentials about the
past to answer while completing the project. Your and your
students’ role in the project can be as simple or complex as you
desire. The sidebar to the left provides a list of participating
schools; to view various projects, click on the name of each
school. Each class chooses a particular period of the past to
explore. Some schools create virtual museums while others visit
actual museums. If you are interested in participating, email the
project coordinator at the address provided.
Prairie Journey 2000
Grades: 3-12
Ongoing? No
This site houses prairie-themed interactive games, exhibits, and
travelogues, which were developed by students involved in a real-life,
week long, field trip across the Canadian prairie. While students
from only two schools actually traveled, they visited numerous partner
schools! along the way, and all contributed to this meaty Web site.
Teachers may glean some good ideas for extending field trips
that their own students take, like creating a Jeopardy!-like
game, developing an electronic quilt of trip-related images and
poetry, and keeping a journal..
River
Adventure
Grades: 5-6
Ongoing? No
Here's someone who gives teaching a good name! Mr. Beamer rides again!
In his adventure beginning in September 2001, he canoed from Indiana to
Memphis. Communicating with students though a daily log via email, they
studied watersheds, calculated the budget, and maintained a public
email Web site. Highlights of the site include an "ask the experts"
section, marvelous links to river and canoeing sites, a children's
river/canoeing bibliography,and student quizzes.
Stephen
Avenue Virtual Tour
Grades: 2-4
Ongoing? No
A virtual field trip using student artwork, photos, and stories from a
class trip. Students were each assigned a building on the tour of
Stephen Avenue and then wrote stories and drew pictures of their
experiences. This site is a great example of electronic
publishing and models some excellent ideas to use with your students in
fine arts, language arts, and technology. Be sure to “drive
the bus” and see how animated students “visit” each building.
Virtual
China
Page 38 of Virtual
Architecture
Grades: 5-10
Ongoing? No
Imagine taking a large group of seventh graders on week-long biketrip
through rural China or on a plane and bus tour of ancient
Chinesecities! Hong Kong International School teachers did that each
year from1996 through 1999. Students from around the world asked the
young travelerspre-departure questions to answer during their trips.
The result is a stunningtravelogue filled with photos, journal entries,
and perspective writing.
A
Virtual School Visit
Grades: 3-12 (and a number of adult ESOL classes)
Ongoing? Yes
Low-tech, but high-teach site! This project is a straightforward way
for students from around the world to learn more about each other.
Classes are paired with each other to share information about their
school and community. Utilizing the site’s simple Web page builder,
classes use pictures and text to create an online tour of their
schools. After looking at the other class’ tour, students spend the
next couple of months emailing each other questions about the school,
community and online tour (these exchanges are posted on the final Web
sites.) Teacher resources include step-by-step instructions for
carrying out the project (including a number of examples as models).
Virtual Trek in
a Sumatran Rainforest
Grades: 6-8
Ongoing? No
Virtually experience a mega-field trip to a Sumatra rainforest. The 22
students from Saudi Arabia who actually went on the trip recorded their
experiences through pictures and words for the rest of the world to
enjoy.
Virtual Expeditions
The Albatross ProjectGrades: 6-12
Ongoing? Yes
Here is an amazing opportunity for your students to engage in authentic scientific research! Students use this information-rich site to track albatrosses as they fly over the open ocean. They plot the positions using satellite data, email communication and the Pythagorean Theorem. They gain experience testing scientific hypotheses, and they see themselves doing work much like professional biologists. The site includes a wealth of lesson plan resources, background information and implementation tips for teachers. The site is sponsored by the NSF, so there is no cost to join.
California Missions
Interactive
Grade: 4
Ongoing? No
Two bicyclists zipped through twelve historic California missions, and
exchanged e-mail with a group of Palo Alto fourth graders as they did
so. This site contains trip reports and photos that would help students
around the world learn more about places they might not be able to
"visit" otherwise.
Colonial Williamsburg
Electronic Field Trips
Grades: K-12
Ongoing? Yes
(There is a fee required to participate in this project.)
Colonial Williamsburg Electronic Field Trips offer participating
schools interactive history lessons via the Web, teacher resources,
live television broadcasts, and real time interactions with Colonial
Williamsburg experts. The live broadcasts are featured on PBS or
via streaming video and offer compelling dramatizations of historical
events while the internet sources provide students opportunities to
learn from primary documents and web-based information. The
teacher lesson plans offer alignments with state standards, literacy
lessons, and lessons on using primary sources in research.
Students also have the opportunity to send an email and receive a reply
from an historical figure. The site offers a chat room and
discussion board for interaction among students at all participating
schools.
Connecting From
the Ice
Grades: 6-8
Ongoing? No
Youthful awe and science ooze from this site. Here you'll find dozens
of e-mail exchanges between a group of Maryland middle schoolers and
apair of friendly s! cientists in Antarctica.
Footsteps to Freedom
Grades: 3-7
Ongoing? No
In this TIES research project about the Underground Railroad in the
U.S., students explore the difficulties and successes of those who
assisted slaves travelling the Railroad. In addition to lesson plans
for teachers, activities in this project include interactive Web pages
and online discussions with experts. Students have the opportunity to
contribute to actual research data to an ongoing national commemorative
project. Subscription rates (per project) for non-members are $125 per
class or $475 per school.
Global Online Adventure Learning
Site
Grades: 3-8
Ongoing? Yes
This is a rich site filled with stories and images of global adventure
travelers. Their expeditions range from rowing across the Pacific to
crossing the Antarctic. In addition to descriptions of their travel
plans, routes, and equipment, many send journal entries as they travel
which are posted to the Web site--a few of the families traveling
include kids' journal entries. The "Classroom" link
includes lesson plans (primarily topics for further study or
discussion). Be sure to check out the "Classroom Expedition"
link with its ecological "footprint" and "world pen pal" sections.
Imagine
the Challenge
Grades: 3-12
Ongoing? No
Go on an awe-inspiring adventure across the Outback (and then some)!
The Imagine the Challenge project followed the trans-Australian "Steps
2 Peace" run of Canadian David Adie. The purpose of the run was to
inspire children to overcome challenges in their lives while raising
funds for Children's hospitals. Students and teachers at a school in
Calgary were in email contact with him – if a person had a question for
David, he would email the students who might choose to include that
question in the day’s communication. Questions and responses were
linked to a map of the journey. Students were encouraged to create
their own projects and challenges related to Australia and David’s run
– examples of these are included. The site also served as part of an
e-pal project matching both individual students and entire classes. Be
sure to look at the annotated links to sites about running and
Australia.
JASON Project
Grades: K-12
Ongoing? Yes
This comprehensive project utilizes lives satellites and
Internetbroadcasts to bring real expeditions to students around the
world. Memberswill have full access to lesson plans, professional
development opportunities,and of course, the telefieldtrips.
Online From Jupiter
Page 39 of Virtual
Architecture
Grades: 3-12
Ongoing? No
Through photos, actual field notes, scientist biographies, and on-line
activities, students can explore (and vicariously experience) NASA's
1995 Galileo spacecraft mission to Jupiter.
Reach the World
Grades: 3-12
Ongoing? Yes
Reach the World links partner schools to the real-world global
circumnavigation of the Makulu II, a 43-foot sailboat manned by a team
of teachers and explorers who report back to students via email and
satellite. This interactive relationship allows partner classes to
design projects to be carried about by the crew. In addition to a
wealth of pictures, route maps, and well-written weekly and monthly
travel logs, the site includes a teacher
center with lesson plans developed and implemented by partner
teachers. Makulu II sails each fall.
Shadow A Swan Project
Grades: 4-6 or 10-12, depending upon the learning activity
Ongoing? Yes
This site is no ugly duckling! Registered classes (registration is
free!) follow the flight of an individual swan on her migration from
Alaska to California. Students use satellite data from radio
transmitters and maps to track the collared birds and predict their
next locations, and a bu! lletin board to collaborate with peers and
experts as they track the birds' movements. Resources for teachers
include detailed lesson plans for either grades 4-6 or 10-12. The site
is information-rich and has many links for additional informationor to
similar projects.
Shuttle-MIR
Online Research Experience
Page 39 of Virtual
Architecture
Grades: K-12
Ongoing? No
Scientists' biographies and field journals reveal the research
conducted in space aboard the Mir station.
Sites Alive! Expeditions
Grades: 3-12
Ongoing? Yes
Sites Alive! connects students to academically credited field school
expeditions. While students involved in Sites Alive! don't
actually travel to the places they explore, they get as close as they
can via the Internet--thanks to a comprehensive interactive, multimedia
curriculum package. (Note: Schools must pay a fee to become
part of this project.)
Track
Wild Wolves in the Superior National Forest
Grades: 2-12
Ongoing? Yes
Here is an exciting activity combining geography and biology while
helping students gain an understanding of the scientific research
process. This wolf tracking project, sponsored by the Biological
Resources Division of the US Geological Survey, allows students to
follow the locations of wolves via computer. It works like this: wolves
are fitted with GPS radio collars which send the wolf’s position data
to a satellite. The satellite information is downloaded to the Internet
where classes use a map to follow the movements of the animal over
time. Students look for patterns of movement to outline the pack’s
territory – the web site gives them information to compare this to the
movement of other packs. Links include background information on wolves
and wolf conservation as well as the International Wolf Center in the
heart of the Superior National Forest in Ely, Minnesota.
Wandering with the Wolves
Grade: K-4
Continuing? No
TIES created yet another exciting science activity for elementary
students - this time, the topic was wolves and their habitat. Enrolled
participants took part in an 8-week-long project, which included
lessons/activities and a "wolf-Jeopardy" question for the class to
answer for each school day. In addition, teachers could ask wolf
experts questions by email. An email distribution list also connected
teachers with the support team and each other for additional ideas on
ways to integrate wolf-related activities into their classrooms, which
were geared to meet Minnesota science standards for the primary grades.
The yearly fee for non-members was $125 per teacher or $475 per school.
WhaleNet
Satellite Tagging Program
Grades:9-12
Ongoing? Yes
Like the animal for which it is named, the WhaleNet site is
trulyimpressive in size and in mission. The main activity for students
hereis the STOP program, in which classes use the WhaleNet server to
track taggedmarine mammals by satellite. Using the latest technology,
students collaborate with researchers to collect, compile and share
information about a variety of whale species and other marine life.
Other programs allow students to collaborate with peers or scientists
online, participate in research voyages, attend classes, or access a
wealth of information about marine mammals. This is a "do not miss"
site for science teachers, but has exciting activities for math classes
as well. Be sure to check out the teachers' resource section!
Structure 11: Pooled Data Analysis
Angle
of the Sun
Grades: 3-12
Ongoing? Yes
This project focuses on measuring, communicating, collaborating,
analyzing data, and making inferences. The main activity is to
determine how high the sun actually is above the horizon where an
individual lives. The more measurements the better, so the site
encourages collaboration with the community to get the most
possible. Angle of the Sun includes a calculator on the site for
converting measurements with the meter stick to the sun’s angle (the
equation is included if you would prefer your students to do the math
themselves). Students are then asked to analyze the pooled data
from all other submissions to look for patterns. The site walks
students through the process, provides a specific format for submitting
data, an idea for a research project, and a set of questions to
consider.
Froot
Loops to the Max
Grades: K-8
Ongoing? No
This project is a pooled data analysis that presents a hypothesis of
which color will appear most frequently in one box of Froot
Loops. Students are asked to weigh their box of cereal and
compare the actual weight with the one stated on the box. Then,
students are to divide the Froot Loops into categories by color;
guidelines are given for broken pieces, pieces that appear to be more
than one color, and pieces that are stuck together. Once the
cereal is sorted, students count how many Froot Loops are in each color
category and post their data on the Web site. Each school’s data
will be presented with a graph. Once all data from participating
schools has been received the truth of the hypothesis will be
evaluated. The site contains several pages that are helpful to
teachers: one where teachers can discuss the project with each
other; one providing all the worksheets and lesson plans for related
activities; a Froot Loop Jeopardy! link; and a page with many links to
Froot Loop-related sites.
Getting
the Media Message
Grades: 6-8
Ongoing? Yes
Getting the Media Message is a research project designed by professors
at Ohio State University to study what effects the media exposure of
middle school students has on the development of gender and racial
diversity in the field of Information Technology (IT). The study
developed from observations that there are very few women and
minorities choosing IT as a career field. The research team is
gathering data to ascertain whether the media environment experienced
by students during their formative middle school years has any bearing
on their career choices later in life, specifically with regard to
IT. Students in grades 6-8 are asked to help gather and analyze
data for the one of the two tracks of research. The study
developers have created an imbedded, interdisciplinary curriculum that
promotes problem solving skills through the consideration of real-world
issues.
The
Global Water Sampling Project
Grades: 9-12
Ongoing? Yes
In these days of abounding pollution, water quality has become a
serious concern. The Global Water Sampling Project, created by
the Center for
Improved Engineering and Science Education (CIESE), gives high
school students the opportunity to sample water in their area, analyze
its quality based on physical characteristics and chemical substances,
and then share and compare this data with other students’ data from
around the world. It is also gives them an opportunity to
hypothesize about any trends in water quality. The project runs
every fall and spring with specific guidelines available on the Web
site. Additional classroom activities are available as is a list
of national science standards met by the project. There is also
an Online
Experts section that allows students to gain further knowledge
through contact with an expert in the field.
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