The Rainforest Grade 4

RainforestsGrade 4By: Luciana Fohsz

Technology IntegrationRationale: Society today relies heavily on technology, yet for educators it may create a level of uncertainty in classrooms. When considering this teaching topic and technology integration, the goal was to create an engaging learning experience. As a result of this unit, students will realize that there are so many useful resources right at their fingertips. Through the use of blogs, podcasts, videos, apps and websites, students will be presented with the opportunity to explore some of Earths richest environments right from their desks.

Internet ContentThere are a myriad of resources available on the Internet that assist students in learning about educational topics such as Rainforests.Each website and the information provided has been checked for reliability and security.Links used for this PowerPoint are cited in the notes section or directly on applicable slides.To access the hyperlinks, the PowerPoint must be in presentation mode. The links can also be accessed by copying and pasting each URL from the notes section.

BlogKids Saving the Rainforest is a blog that shares the efforts of children around the world who are determined to make a difference.The articles and pictures tell the fascinating stories of what children are doing to save the rainforests and even provide tips for how others can help the Earth!

Source: https://kstr.wordpress.com/4

Internet PodcastAmazon Rainforest Podcast introduces listeners to the world of the Amazon Rainforest. Specifically, the podcast discusses deforestation in terms of the processes associated with destruction and alarming statistics of the effects. It is time we realize that rainforests hold precious resources that the world cannot survive without.

Source: https://archive.org/details/KevinFletcherAmazonRainforestPodcast5

Instructional VideoTropical Rainforest Diversity is an instructional video from Khan Academy that shows viewers the different plants, animals and insects that inhabit tropical rainforests which are ecosystems rich in energy.

Sources: https://www.khanacademy.org/partner-content/cas-biodiversity/exploring-ecosystems/v/exploring-ecosystems-tropical-rainforest-diversity-california-academy-of-sciences6

Internet ResourcesMongabay is a website designed to specifically help children learn in an easy and fun way about different features of the rainforest from animals to people to climate.Caltech is an interactive page that discusses where rainforests are, the animals that live in each area and why it is important to preserve the rainforests.National Geographic provides a virtual tour of the rainforest at night which allows visitors to click on different plants and animals that exist on each floor of the rainforest.

Sources:http://kids.mongabay.com/http://www.srl.caltech.edu/personnel/krubal/rainforest/Edit560s6/www/what.htmlhttp://www.nationalgeographic.com/features/00/earthpulse/rainforest/index_flash-feature.html

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Kidspiration

This graphic organizer was created using Kidspiration. Students can use this graphic organizer as a learning tool as they learn about the four layers of the rainforest. Students may fill in the graphic organizer as the teacher teaches a lesson or after the lesson has been delivered. It can be completed either individually or in groups. In my field study experiences, I have seen graphic organizers used for various topics and each prove to be effective.

2) This will be a useful tool for visual learners who experience trouble when it comes to organizing their ideas or categorizing facts. Students will use this graphic organizer as a study tool to prepare them for a quiz or test on the subject or use it when writing a paper. Their knowledge of what each layer looks like, the climate within each layer and what living things can be found in each will help students to understand how each layer is unique.8

Teaching MaterialsTo begin this unit on rainforests, the teacher would read this short story to explain to students the importance of protecting living things.The vivid images within the book will capture students attention and give them an idea of what rainforests may look like.

Picture: https://shop.scholastic.com/shop/en/teacherstore/The-Great-Kapok-Tree9

Teaching MaterialsTo introduce the class to the vocabulary associated with rainforests, the teacher could assign this word search to the students.As a related supplemental activity, the teacher may ask the students to define each word using an online dictionary.

Source: http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Rain-Forest-164182310

Teaching MaterialsThis reading comprehension worksheet with questions focuses on rainforest ecosystems found near the equator.Students would be able to learn about parts of the rainforest through reading selection and answer questions to test their understanding.

Source: http://www.k12reader.com/worksheet/rainforest-ecosystems/view/11

Teaching MaterialsEncyclopedia Britannica Kids is an app that allows users to explore the rainforests found all over the world and learn about the plants, animals and people that call the rainforest their home.Students will be engaged as they play different games that highlight the rainforest features.

App: https://itunes.apple.com/au/app/britannica-kids-rainforests/id419396614?mt=812

Subject-Specific Internet ResourceThrough this website from Scientific American students will have the opportunity to learn about the unfortunate destruction of rainforests around the world.Statistics and facts will show at what rate destruction is happening and the reasons why the rainforests are being destroyed.

Source: https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/earth-talks-daily-destruction/13

Use of the InternetOnline Reference Materials: Encyclopedia.com includes a variety of pages on different topics. There is an environmental studies category that highlights types of forests and importance of each. Students will be able to see how rainforests relate to other types of forests.Interactive Websites: World History is a website that will allow users to learn about the history of different parts of the world though maps, facts and charts. Student can explore land facts of the rainforest and the culture of people who inhabit rainforests. Through this website, students will understand how the past has shaped the present.

Sources:http://www.encyclopedia.com/science-and-technology/biology-and-genetics/environmental-studies/foresthttp://www.hyperhistory.com14

Web 2.0First Class is a site that makes communication and collaboration easy through class specific webpages.Teachers can get in touch with students regarding upcoming assignments and tasks to ensure academic success.

Source: http://www.opentext.com/what-we-do/products/specialty-technologies/firstclass15

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