Technology has become a driving force in our society. Every day we spend a lot of time using technology. This is not different for our students. They have grown up using computers, the internet, and other technology. Because of this, it takes more than lecture to stimulate children. Technology must be used in our classrooms.
We have been learning about the physical environment of Utah in my 4th grade class. Standard 5 Objective 1 states that students will "describe the physical characteristics of Utah's wetlands, forests, and deserts." This is the objective we worked with in this lesson.
We began our lesson with a class discussion about Utah. Students described parts of Utah that they have been to. They named the wetlands, forest, and deserts. The descriptions they give were all verbal.
After my students shared where they had been, we looked at pictures of these areas on Google Earth. Students were able to really visualize what these areas look like because they saw pictures. Rather than students picturing what the state looks like in their mind, this helped students get to know their state visually. Using this technology kept the students involved and stimulated.
Wasatch Mountain Forest
image found at: http://www.panoramio.com/photo/4842708
We have been learning about the physical environment of Utah in my 4th grade class. Standard 5 Objective 1 states that students will "describe the physical characteristics of Utah's wetlands, forests, and deserts." This is the objective we worked with in this lesson.
We began our lesson with a class discussion about Utah. Students described parts of Utah that they have been to. They named the wetlands, forest, and deserts. The descriptions they give were all verbal.
After my students shared where they had been, we looked at pictures of these areas on Google Earth. Students were able to really visualize what these areas look like because they saw pictures. Rather than students picturing what the state looks like in their mind, this helped students get to know their state visually. Using this technology kept the students involved and stimulated.
Wasatch Mountain Forest
image found at: http://www.panoramio.com/photo/4842708
What a fun way to use technology in the classroom!! I can really see a 4th grade class getting excited about exploring the state on Google Earth as opposed to simply looking at a few limited snapshots displayed in a classroom. Wonderful! :-)
ReplyDeleteMelissa - if you got these images off of Google Earth or anywhere else on the internet - you need to cite them properly before you can receive credit on the assignment.
ReplyDelete