Elaine Marume

1
Exploring the Rainforest - Kids on the
Web
Elaine Marume ctap295.ctaponline.org/emarume
oeye2001_at_yahoo.com Reynolds Elementary School
An introduction to rainforest information
research for third graders
2
Expectations

• To create a standards based lesson

• To create a web page with links

• Learn to better utilize Powerpoint

• Learn Excel Spreadsheet

3
Actual Learning

• Created a web page lesson based on
• State Standards.

• Linked related web sites to my page

• Created this Power point presentation

• Created data table and charts

4
Successes

• Found a concise way to introduce research

• Created a web research activity for my students

• Students learned to critically examine
  information

-for accuracy
-to deal with discrepant data

• -for the source

• High interest topic

• Cultivated a needed skill for students

5
Shortcomings

• Limited online time

• Computer lab crashes frustrated students

• Unrealistic timeline given 30 minutes in the lab
  every other week

• Lack of keyboarding skills slowed students

6
Student Data This graph compares student scores
on the Pretest and the Posttest. The yellow area
shows Improvement.
7
Student Data
The culminating activity was an oral presentation
on a rainforest animal of the students choice.
8
Student Data
9
Revisions
Improvement on post test scores was not as
significant as I had hoped. I discovered that
third graders are not very good at interpreting
multiple choice questions with all of the above
and none of the above. The wording needs to be
changed on some questions in the pre/post test.
Lesson implementation time needs to be
extended. The research portions took four times
as long as anticipated. Students need time
before the actual lessons to practice
keyboarding, and just working with a computer.
Students lacking Internet access at home need
more time online in the classroom.
10
Conclusion
I have found that technology is a wonderful
tool to help build student confidence and
knowledge. There is so much more up to date
information available to students on the
Internet. I have learned so much from my
fellow educators - those in my particular group,
and those who have posted their lessons for me to
view. I know I will continue to use and update
the skills I have gained from this course. I
hope to instill my enthusiasm for this technology
on others at my school who may be hesitant to get
their students online.