Part
One
Naturalist's Journal
|
Students learn and practice methods for keeping a Naturalist's
Journal. They will use their journal to make observations and focus questions
related to the Sonoran Desert.
The Naturalist's Journal is based on a workshop
presented by the Roger Tory Peterson Institute
at Desert ArroyoMiddle School during the Winter Term, 1997.
|
Part Two
Questioning the Desert
|
Students use their Journal to observe organisms
in Cave Creek School District Sonoran Desert Preserve. They will
record the following:
-
Drawings of organisms (with close-ups of adaptations)
-
Written observations on variation, adaptations, and
desert environment
-
Identify questions of interest (three minimum)
|
Part Three
Researching Resources
|
Students use various resources (web, print,
experts) to research information on organisms found in the Sonoran Desert.
Their research will include, but not be limited to, the following:
-
Information on form and function of adaptations
-
Relationships between cultures and Sonoran Desert
organisms
-
Identify threats to Sonoran Desert organisms
|
Part Four
Preparing Storyboards
|
Students prepare storyboards to be used to produce
web site and video. Process includes:
-
First Draft
-
Peer review and edits
-
Final draft
-
Teacher Approval
|
Part Five
Web Page Production
|
Student teams create web pages. Steps to
completion include:
-
Compile resources (digital and video images, interviews,
graphics)
-
Use template to build web pages
-
Present web pages
-
Students identify best efforts for publication to
Desert Arroyo Middle School Web Site
|
Part Six
Video Production
|
Teams create video segments. Steps to completion:
-
Shoot, record, compile and edit video
-
Present video to classes
-
Class identifies video to integrate into Nature's
Apprentice documentary
-
Class "Tek Kids" edit final version of video
|
Part Seven
Project Extensions
|
Continuation of project will include some of the
following:
-
Students will design research to conduct based on
questions identified in their journals. Results will be integrated
into web site.
-
Students contact other schools to build Nature's Apprentice
Sites to be linked to Desert Arroyo Site.
-
Students from pilot year serve as resources for continuation
of project at Desert Arroyo.
|
