Lesson Plan
 W.H.AT. News
 

 

Lesson Title:

 W.H.AT. News
Grade Level: Third (although can easily be adapted to any grade level)  
Content Areas: Science, Geography, Language arts  
Time Allotment: (5) 1 hour blocks  
Abstract:

Creating a fictitious news program on my experience was the best way to engage kids in every aspect of this project. In the movie I demonstrated not only what my experience was but what the students experience was also. I answered the following questions: What was it like away from the school during the Live From the Field chats? What was it like in the school during the Live From the Field chats?

  
Goal: To make the Live From the Field experience successful by relating it to events that were happening at my school. To engage the students in every aspect of the final project. To make a news program that incorporated all the parts of the Live From the Field expedition.  
Performance Indicators: Students will be able to recall specific details about what they learned form the Live From the Field experience. Students will be comfortable using technology to video record, and voice record their responses.  
Background Information: Kids loved putting together this news program. It was a lot of work for me but it was worth it. The kids learned how to use new technology and refined their presentation skills. Even some of the reluctant students were eager to participate. In this news program I found a role for all 20 students. I wrote all the scripts but let kids personalize it where appropriate. In making an advertisement I was able to include more students especially those students who don’t always get a chance to participate fully in the class.  
Materials:

                   &

Technology:

Hardware:

  • Digital Camera

  • Digital Video Camera

  • Logitech or comparable Video Camera for Computer

  • Microphones

 Software (for a PC):

  • Sound Recorder (Usually found in Start – Programs – Accessories – Entertainment)

  • Windows Movie Maker (Usually found in Start – Programs – Accessories – Entertainment)

  • Logitech Quick Cam

  • Skype for video conferencing

  • Google Earth

  • Screen Capture Software

  • Windows Media Encoder free download from Microsoft

  • Smart Board Software: free download if you have a Smart Board (Best option)

  
Instructional Procedures:

Arrangements before you leave:

  1. Hiring a sub.
    1. I chose a sub who was comfortable and familiar with technology.
  2. Meeting with sub ahead of time.
    1. It was important to experiment and test all software and hardware together.
  3. Being flexible.
    1. Conditions in the field may change at any time.
  4. Brainstorming questions
    1. With students and classroom teachers we prepared student questions ahead of time.  
    2. We also left room for spontaneous questions and discussions during the video conference.
  5. Having a backup if video conferencing fails
    1. Both my sub and I had cell phones in case video conferencing failed.
    2. We also planned on emailing each other if needed.
  6. Recording your students’ experience.
    1. I had another adult video record a few of the live conferences back in my school although I wish I had recorded more.
    2. I wished I focused on the students’ experience more because that would have made our final movie or presentation more powerful for your audience.
  1. Recording your own experience.
    1. I tried using screen capture software but failed. This option was loaded with glitches and software incompatibility issues. After I got back home I found that Smart Board Software (free download for a school that owns a Smart Board) would have worked. I also wished I recorded my video conferencing experience with a video camera. I finally settled on still pictures.
  2. Recording the scientists
    1. I recorded a few things on my digital camera but that would only let me record 30 seconds.
    2. I recoded most things with the Logitech Video Camera on my computer. This option gave me the best quality however I could only used it in the lab.
    3. I kept my answers brief. 30-90 seconds which I found was a perfect attention span for most videos.
  
Assessment: Through observation I noticed that all kids without exception were fully engaged in the movie and focused on the specific content they were supposed to be presenting.  
Contact Information: mikeapril28@gmail.com  
 
 

Feedback from teachers in my school:

  • “The kids sat silent in rapt attention the entire time video conferencing was happening. I wish they were this focused for me.”
     

  • “When I told the students that Mr. April could see them too they sat up as straight as they could and were focused during the whole conference.”
     

  • “When I answered the conference call and Mr. April’s and Angela’s (research scientist at Tulane) face came on the screen a silent hush passed through the students.”
 
 

 

 

 

 

 

My Links
Home Field Questions #1 Field Questions #2 New Orleans Cherokee Elementary Caterpillar Links Lesson Plan

Earthwatch Links
Case Study Project Info Live From the Field

Tulane Links
Dr. Lee Dyer Education Outreach

Check out my other Fellowship project: Japan Journey
A Virtual Tour of Japanese culture and the Japanese Educational System

[ Website created by Mike April ]