Teachers Information Page

This Recycle iAdventure will provide students with the opportunity to research and learn new information about recycling different types of waste.  Here are some important considerations before beginning the Recycle iAdventure:

• Intended for 4th Grade Students
• Lesson length could take 3-15 days to finish
• Could be used as a partner lesson
• Could also be used as an individual learning activity
  

The Recycle iAdventure can be used as an independent learning activity if students are familiar with navigation of links.  In addition, works well as a problem-based lesson that has students working in groups. 

An iAdventure is a problem solving activity in which students determine the direction and outcome of a content-rich storyline, using resources available on the Internet.  This iAdventure is focused on using information to solve real-life problems.   As students work their way through the story, they are faced with a series of questions, in which choices must be made Students visit these sites, collect data, read various documents, video, and images. After analyzing the information, they make an informed decision about the next course of action for their character. The outcome of the iAdventure is open-ended, often a complex product created by the students themselves.

Background Information

Using an iAdventure is a great way of teaching students how to use skills in locating information.  It involves them working with a character in a real life topic.  Students are to work in pairs and help Tammy or Walter find information on recycling so that they can save the world.  With all the information provided by the characters students will be able to demonstrate understanding of recycling and producing information gathered in note taking and power points. 

Web Sites

What can be recycled?    

http://earth911.com/recycling/ 

Earth 911. February 2009. Recycle. 24 Feb 2009 <http://earth911.com/>.

Why Recycle?  Ways to reuse.

http://kids.niehs.nih.gov/recycle.htm 

NIEHS , "NIEHS Kids Page--Recycling." Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle. October 2008. NIEHS. 24 Feb 2009 <kids.niehs.nih.gov/recycle.htm>.

How to make a Compost

I heard that building a compost would help get rid of waste.  I looked at this site a found just how I can do it.  This is how I did it and what I can place in it. 

http://sustainable.tamu.edu/slidesets/kidscompost/kid1.html 

"Kids Compost." Composting for Kids 1. February 4,2009. Health.org. 24 Feb 2009 <http://sustainable.tamu.edu/slidesets/kidscompost/kid1.html>

Site Map

The site map is of the iAdventure itself.  It has links to each page of the iAdventure.  You can easily preview all of the pages of the iAdventure through this site map.  Each page of the iAdventure has a link back to the home page.  Each web link on the pages will open to a new window, but can easily return to previous page just by clicking the return to home, previous page, etc…

The opening story page will give the student information about recycling.  Then the student has a choice between two links, such as Reuse or Reduce.  This will continue through the next story, which students will again have a choice on what they want to research (interesting facts on recycling paper, plastic, glass, and aluminum).  Finally the student come to the part 3 story where again they have a choice between composting and creating new items out of trash.  The conclusion has the students making a power point about what they have found.  The outline for the Power Point has a Note Taking Sheet with guided questions.  The Power Point Rubric shows students what they need in order to make a complete Power Point plus (Atomic Learning to Guide Them in Making the Power Point). 

 
AASL 21^st Learner

1.1.1        Follow an inquiry-based process in seeking knowledge in curricular subjects, and make the real world connections for using this process in own life.

 1.1.2        Use prior and background knowledge as context for new learning.

 1.1.3        Develop and refine a range of questions to frame the search for new understanding

 1.2.2    Demonstrate confidence and self-direction by making independent choices in the selection of resources and information.

 1.4.1    Monitor own information-seeking processes for effectiveness and progress, and adapt as necessary

 1.4.3      Monitor gathered information, and assess for gaps or weaknesses.

 2.2.1    Continue an inquiry-based research process by applying critical thinking skills (analysis, synthesis, evaluation, organization) to information and knowledge in order to construct new understandings, draw conclusions, and create new knowledge.

 2.2.2    Demonstrate flexibility in the use of resources by adapting information strategies to each specific resource and by seeking additional resources when clear conclusions cannot be drawn.

 2.3.1    Connect understanding to the real world.

 3.1.1    Conclude an inquiry-based research process by sharing new understandings and reflecting on the learning

3.2.2    Show social responsibilities by participating actively with others in learning situations and by contributing questions and ideas during group discussions.

 3.3.4    Create products that apply to authentic, real-world contexts

 3.3.5          Contribute to the exchange of ideas within and beyond the learning community

 4.1.6    Organize personal knowledge in a way that can be called upon easily.

 4.2.1    Display curiosity by pursuing interest through multiple resources

 4.3.1    Participate in the social exchange of ideas, both electronically and in person.

 4.3.2    Recognize that resources are created for a variety of purposes

Assessment

A rubric for Note Taking and PowerPoint will be located at the conclusion, and at the teacher information site. 

You will be graded on your participation with group.

Another part of your grade will be based on your completion of the note-taking sheet.  This is where you are to answer questions from iAdventure links about recycling.

Fourth grade will be on Power Point Presentation, where a rubric is supplied.  The PowerPoint will be graded on content, mechanics, and appearance.  Mechanics will include having correct grammar, spelling, and punctuation.  You will also be graded on the insertion of images, background, and fonts. 

Your PowerPoint’s will be viewed by all fourth grade classes, during our assembly for Earth Day. 

 The Power Point Presentation Will Include:

1. Which character you chose to help in the story?
2. Explain landfill and the problem with them.
3. Five items that can be reduced, reused, and recycled.
4. Images and crafts that can be made from recycled items.

Walter

1. What character from the story that you helped.
2. How long it takes to (two items) decompose with definition included. 
3. Five items that can be recycled, reused, reduced.
4. How you will help with recycling at home and at school.

 Resources Needed

•  Internet-connected computers
•  Note taking sheet for each student
•  Rubric Scoring Guide for each student

 Note Taking Sheets

Power Point  Rubric

RUBRIC: Note Taking                                       No                                                 Yes                        Not Evident                                                 Very Evident                                               0        1        2        3        4                                                         Fix-up     0  1  2  3  4     1. Is a complete heading included in the upper right-hand                            corner (class name, date)?   0  1  2  3  4     2. Is the character of the iadventure written at the top of the                             note-taking section?   0  1  2  3  4     3. Is the handwriting legibly written in blue or black ink?   0  1  2  3  4     4. Is sufficient space left between ideas, to add information                               if necessary and to make review easier?   0  1  2  3  4     5. Are the ideas primarily written in complete sentences?                                             0  1  2  3  4     6. Is much effort put in explaining the questions?   Priorities for future note taking:   1.   2.   3.

 

Special Thanks

Mr. Stan Smith for always being patient with me during the development of this iaventure and many other web designs.

The iAdventure concept was developed in the Warrensburg, MO school district, as part of the “Learning with iAdventures” programs.  This program was funded by a Competitive Technology grant from the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.  The provided link:

For more information on iAdventure, visit the iAdventure Home Page.

The Following links were used as research to enhance the Recycle iAdventure. http://warrensburg.k12.mo.us/webdesign/tutorials.html

 Additional Recycle resources you may want to explore:

Recycle Reuse Reduce http://42explore.com/recycle.htm

Recycling Guide http://www.recycling-guide.org.uk/

Recycle now http://www.recyclenow.com/