In their interdisciplinary study of the Tropical and Temperate Rainforests, our fifth grade students turn naturally to the computer. Rainforest websites, interaction with the experts through e-mail, involvement in "MayaQuest," the use of electronic encyclopedias, and such resources as "A Field Trip To The Rainforest," a massive database, vividly bring the facts to life as the students learn search techniques and gather data. Using other multimedia CDs, like "ZooGuides vol. 4, The Rainforest," "MayaQuest, The Mystery Trail," "Rainforest Explorer," "Animals Encyclopedia," and "Imagination Express, Destination: Rain Forest," the students explore various animals and then create databases of their own, learn about the indigenous people of the regions and word process letters and diary entries from their viewpoint, and otherwise record, organize, interpret, and react to their WWW findings. Fifth graders take notes on "fact cards" throughout their study of the forests, and later turn these facts into stories, poems, songs, skits, webpages, and positive action projects through a list of proposed "assignments called "A Forest Scavenger Hunt."
While reading the novels of Jean Craighead George, the students are required to write personal responses in the form of a letter to the teacher in their literature log. With the aid of the computer, each small discussion group brainstorms the points that they think are important. Using the LCD projection, a consensus about what is necessary for inclusion in such a letter is reached. A group-generated rubric is then obtained and the quality of letter writing can improve immensely as a result. Internet searches on the animals, habitats, and issues involved in these novels take place almost daily
Assisted by technology in so many ways, fifth graders gain much knowledge about the rainforests, and are able to answer the three student-generated essential questions about them. Crossword puzzles and word searches are created. Diary entries, certificates, and invitations are written, edited, revised, and stylishly presented. Many of their writing poeces are published on the Fifth Grade website.
Letters to congresspeople, companies, and agencies are composed and faxed. Invitations to the Forest Fest are created with "Print Shop Deluxe," "Works Wizard," and "ClarisWorks." Even during the rehearsals for Forest Fest, a multimedia show which culminates this interdisciplinary study, the students are able to use the computer that is brought to the rehearsal area to edit and print their scripts, thus facilitating the dramatic process.
For a list of the many specific activities in which students use technology, please check out the "Endangered Earth Scavenger Hunt."