West Irondequoit Central School District

Technology Rich Lesson Plan

Name:

Charlotte Craig

Grade(s)

First

Information about the Lesson 

Title:

Antarctica

Brief Description:

This lesson focuses on the animals of Antarctica; most specifically on their predators and prey. This lesson developed from our study of the penguin species that are living and thriving in Antarctica.

Subject(s) 
integration

(time required to complete lesson, e.g. "two 45-minute sessions")

One twenty minute lesson.

Goals:
(curriculum and unit related; National or State standards)

Science as Inquiry

Objectives:
(measurable specific activities conducted by students)

The students will develop questions and answers about predators and prey in Antarctica and compare them to what scientist already know about the topic.

Teacher Materials/Resources:
(specific materials the teacher must have to conduct the lesson, e.g. Romeo and Juliet (video), American flag, etc.)

Informational text about Antarctica and Penguins.

Computer with internet access for student use.

An overhead monitor or TV connected to the computer for instructors use.

Chart paper or white board.

Student Materials/Resources:
(specific materials the students must have to complete the lesson, e.g. calculators, construction paper, finger paints, etc.)

necessary materials: student computer

Procedures:

After reading informational text about Antarctica

lead a class discussion to discuss predatory habits in Antarctica. Develop questions scientist might have about what kinds of animals live in Antarctica and what are their common predators and prey. Chart their questions and answers. Use the National Geographic web site called http://www.nationalgeographic.com/crittercam/antarctica/ to answer the questions the class developed. This site features a student friendly Virtual World of Antarctica complete with a crittercam attached to a Leopard Seal. The first lesson instructs the children on how to navigate through the Virtual World from the perspective of the Leopard Seal. The goal is for the Leopard Seal to capture its prey. Each time it does an informational page flashes up with a description of the animal captured. This includes actual photos and information on the animal’s predators and prey. After the initial teacher led lesson the students are able to independently travel with the Leopard Seal through virtual Antarctica and find the answers to their questions or to confirm what they have already learned.

Assessment:

Observation of students as they navigate the virtual world independently.

After the whole class has visited the site (this could take up to two weeks) bring the class back together to compare questions and answers from the class created chart.

Useful Internet Resources:

http://www.nationalgeographic.com/crittercam/antarctica/

Attach a File: (link to accompanying files)

http://www.nationalgeographic.com/crittercam/antarctica/