|
Earthworks
Earth System Science for Secondary Teachers
Trapped on a Rock
Rationale: My rationale for exploring and researching West Rock Trap Ridge is twofold. Initially I wanted my students to develop an awareness of their unique geological location in regard to the Trap Rock Ridge. Also, I feel the field/nature walks will foster and appreciation for geology/ecology within my urban students.
Implementation: My plan is to divide my students into small cooperative groups and bring them on a series of nature walk field trips over a two-month period. Students will observe, discuss and record both geological/ecological aspects of the ridge in field notebooks.
Learning Objectives:
Specific teaching goals include:
- Observe, research, and analyze West/Trapp Rock Ridge
- Produce a hands-on field guide for students
- Employ open-ended yet directed procedure/method.
Specific student objectives:
- Utilize compass
- Understand/read maps, including concept of latitude and longitude
- Utilize field books for recording data/observations
- Identify specific geological/ecological characteristics of the site/region
- Produce/construct a field guide of the region/site for the New Haven visitor's center
- Work both individual and cooperatively to produce final product.
The published product will be a brochure in the form of a field guide for New Haven's visitor center/chamber of commerce.
Where: West Rock Ridge, New Haven, CT
Who: 4th grade students within an urban district.
What: Geology/Ecology
When: Spring of 2003
Methods: Field observations with individual research and cooperative group analysis and statement.
Potential Barriers: Funding, transportation, and parental consent.
Possible Strategies:
Earth System connection: Students will discover that the urban area which they live has unique geological aspects.
Extensions: Students will produce a West Rock Ridge brochure for the New Haven Park Department. Also, students will supply a brochure for the school library.
|
About Us