Technology Integration With Animal Habitats

By: Elizabeth Holland

Issues and Problems in Science Instruction

Accountability in standardsDifficulties in teaching K-8 science

New emphasis on and controversies about scientific inquiry

Technology Integration Strategies

The GLOBE Project An excellent example of

utilizing technologies to do authentic science.

An environmental science project that utilizes remote sensing and ground-based observations to study the local environment.

Technology Integration Strategies

GoNorth! Adventure Learning Series Adventure Learning (AL)

is a hybrid of distance education approach that provides students to explore real-world issues through authentic learning experiences within collaborative learning environments.

Technology Integration Strategies

Webquests Designed to connect

students with a reasonable sample of internet sources where they, on their own, decide which resources to use to answer their questions.

Lesson PlanBasic Information

•Title: Animal Habitats•Area of Study: Science

•Grade Level: Kindergarten

Objective•To teach children about the different habitats around the world

NETS-S and State standards addressed

SS.3.A.1.2: Utilize technology resources to gather information from primary and secondary sources.

SC.K.N.1.4: Observe and create a visual representation of an object which includes its major features.

NETS-S 5a – Students will advocate and practice safe, legal, and responsible use of information and technology.

NETS-S 5b – Students will exhibit a positive attitude toward using technology that supports collaboration, learning, and

productivity.NETS-S 1a – Students apply existing knowledge to generate new

ideas, products, or processes.

ProcedureTo begin my lesson I will talk to the children about what a habitat is and how we all have a certain habitat we live and thrive in. I will pull up the GoogleEarth program and

have it projected onto the screen. I will start talking about an animal the children would be familiar with and ask them where they think the animal would live. We will

talk about how weather, food supply, and where the animal would live can affect what type of habitat the

animal would live in. Once we reach a conclusion I will use GoogleEarth to show the children a real live view of

that habitat.

Example

First I would talk to the children about polar bears.

I would ask what they eat and where they live

We would talk about how polar bears like the cold . We can discuss different places polar bears may live

Using GoogleEarth I will use our suggestions and look at the habitat. We will further discuss if this would be a good place for the polar bear to live.

Materials and Resources Needed

GoogleEarthProjector

Projection Screen

Preparation1. Very little skills are needed. The program is very easy to

follow.2. Knowledge of various animals and their habitats.

3. This lesson would relate to the behaviorist way of thinking. This knowledge cannot always be observed without the use

of technology.

Assessment MethodThe children will be assessed during and after the activity. They will be assessed by how engaged they are and how much they try to participate. After the lesson I will assign a project for the

children to choose an animal and create their habitat in a diorama.

AccomodationsFor the project I will allow the children to work in teams of two. I

will pick the groups and will try to match all the children with someone who can help them in one way or another.

Special Concerns1. There will be no copyright concerns.

2. To ensure child safety I will make sure all children are seated at all times.

3. In the event of technical difficulties with the projector I will have my laptop and use my laptop for the children to view the habitats. Since it will be a small screen I will move the

children closer to accommodate.4. Technological issues may interfere with my lesson and I will

be prepared by having my back up lesson plan.

Reflection1. The children were really enthusiastic about the lesson and

loved seeing the habitats so close up.2. Next time I try this lesson I can bring in some sort of

representation of the animals.3. The students were very engaged and enthusiastic.