Oceanography+Web+Resource

Student Created Web Pages

Throughout this unit, I integrated technology, PA Environmental and Ecology Standards, and the PA, Reading, Writing, Listening, and Speaking Standards into my grade 6 science classroom. Click[|here] to see Mrs. Fuini-Hetten's Oceanography Web Resource. My sixth grade students used the writing process to develop these web pages.

I also infused 21st century skills into this unit. Students used media literacy skills to locate and evaluate resources. They used online databases such as Facts for Learning. They also used critical thinking skills as they analyzed websites. throughout this unit, I conducted many mini-lessons and managed a room with small groups of students working on different activities at different times. At time, I was teaching students how to use Power Point to create slideshows of key vocabulary for their topics. At other times, I was teaching students how to use Unitedstreaming to download or link to video clips. Students were engaged on various tasks and focused to meet the goal.

Students employed the writing process. They brainstormed their topics. They asked higher level essential questions about their chosen topic. Using organziers, the synthesized their content. Then they utilized the drafting and editing process. Peer conferencing helped students reflect on their projects. Publishing the content to the web was their final step.

Students also learned to work collaboratively to reach a common goal. Reaching a consensus, brainstorming, and compromising were skills students practiced during the development of these web pages.

This was a valuable learning experience for me. While teaching my students this content and infusing critical media literacy skills, I was able to provide a meaningful, relevant learning opportunity. I needed to multi-task and manage a diverse classroom.

When thinking about the feedback from my students, I feel proud. They really liked the unit. They valued the chance to identify the content which was important to them and then create an online resource for other students to use. They see their work meeting a broader audience. This type of authentic learning used 21st century skills to communicate relevant content.