https://oncourse.iu.edu/access/content/user/aimwalle/Australia.pdf
This is the link to my brochure and final project
Saturday, February 6, 2010
Standards and Curriculum Connection
One of the neat aspects of my inquiry topic, is that it could definately translate into the classroom. I could very easily have my students complete an inquiry project about a country or even a state that they would like to travel to. I could share my Australia blog and brochure as an example for my kids. I could talk to the tech department about purchasing Inspiration or allowing me to download one of the note taker sites. I would probably like to show the kids how they could make a Power Point as one of their choices, because that is a valuable and relatively easy tool.
I think that I would probably rely on using Dr. Lamb's 8W's for my 4th graders. I like the words that she has established for each step, and think 4th graders would get a kick out of "Wiggling," and I think they would understand "wondering and wishing, and webbing." "Weaving and Wrapping" may require some translation for me, but I like the 8 steps. In my classroom, I teach 90 min of Language Arts, so I think I would ideally spend at least two weeks, on the actual inquiry project and steps. Additional time would be required for obtaining resources, and creating the project. However, I think I could accomplish 4 W's each week and allow one day in each week as a "catch up day."
Indiana State Standards/4th Grade/English, Language Arts.
**I chose Language Arts standards, because even though I could incorporate this project into a Social Studies grade and project, Indiana 4th grade Social Studies standards are pretty much all centered around state history, state government and state geography, thus not translating well for an inquiry on other countries.**
4.2.1 Structural Features of Informational and Technical Materials:
Use the organization of informational text to strengthen comprehension.
4.2.4 Evaluate new information and hypotheses (statements of theories or assumptions) by testing them against known information and ideas.
4.2.5 Compare and contrast information on the same topic after reading several passages or articles.
4.7.6 Use logical structures for conveying information, including cause and effect, similarity and difference, and posing and answering a question.
4.7.12 Make informational presentations that:
• focus on one main topic.
• include facts and details that help listeners focus.
• incorporate more than one source of information (including speakers, books, newspapers, television broadcasts, radio reports, or Web sites).
AASL Standards addressed:
1.1.1 Follow an inquiry based process in seeking knowledge in curricular subjects, and make the real world connection for using this process in own life.
1.1.3 Develop and refine a range of questions to frame the search for new understanding.
1.1.4 Find, evaluate and select appropriate sources to answer questions.
1.1.5 Evaluate information found in selected sources on the basis of accuracy, validity, appropriatness for needs, importance and social and cultural context.
1.1.8 Demonstrate mastery of technology tools for accessing information and pursuing inquiry.
1.3.1 Respect copyright/intellectual property rights of creators and producers.
1.4.2 Use interaction with and feedback from teachers and peers to guide own inquiry process.
2.1.2 Organize knowledge so that it is useful
3.1.1 Conclude an inquiry based research process by sharing new understandings and reflecting on the learning.
3.1.4 Use technology and other information tools to organize and display knowledge and understanding in ways that others can view, use and assess.
I think that I would probably rely on using Dr. Lamb's 8W's for my 4th graders. I like the words that she has established for each step, and think 4th graders would get a kick out of "Wiggling," and I think they would understand "wondering and wishing, and webbing." "Weaving and Wrapping" may require some translation for me, but I like the 8 steps. In my classroom, I teach 90 min of Language Arts, so I think I would ideally spend at least two weeks, on the actual inquiry project and steps. Additional time would be required for obtaining resources, and creating the project. However, I think I could accomplish 4 W's each week and allow one day in each week as a "catch up day."
Indiana State Standards/4th Grade/English, Language Arts.
**I chose Language Arts standards, because even though I could incorporate this project into a Social Studies grade and project, Indiana 4th grade Social Studies standards are pretty much all centered around state history, state government and state geography, thus not translating well for an inquiry on other countries.**
4.2.1 Structural Features of Informational and Technical Materials:
Use the organization of informational text to strengthen comprehension.
4.2.4 Evaluate new information and hypotheses (statements of theories or assumptions) by testing them against known information and ideas.
4.2.5 Compare and contrast information on the same topic after reading several passages or articles.
4.7.6 Use logical structures for conveying information, including cause and effect, similarity and difference, and posing and answering a question.
4.7.12 Make informational presentations that:
• focus on one main topic.
• include facts and details that help listeners focus.
• incorporate more than one source of information (including speakers, books, newspapers, television broadcasts, radio reports, or Web sites).
AASL Standards addressed:
1.1.1 Follow an inquiry based process in seeking knowledge in curricular subjects, and make the real world connection for using this process in own life.
1.1.3 Develop and refine a range of questions to frame the search for new understanding.
1.1.4 Find, evaluate and select appropriate sources to answer questions.
1.1.5 Evaluate information found in selected sources on the basis of accuracy, validity, appropriatness for needs, importance and social and cultural context.
1.1.8 Demonstrate mastery of technology tools for accessing information and pursuing inquiry.
1.3.1 Respect copyright/intellectual property rights of creators and producers.
1.4.2 Use interaction with and feedback from teachers and peers to guide own inquiry process.
2.1.2 Organize knowledge so that it is useful
3.1.1 Conclude an inquiry based research process by sharing new understandings and reflecting on the learning.
3.1.4 Use technology and other information tools to organize and display knowledge and understanding in ways that others can view, use and assess.
Technology pieces
Some of the technology that I incorporated into the assignment:
1) Concept Map from Inspiration...
2) I created a Pathfinder of websites and listed them on my blog. I provided brief annotations, and think that the Pathfinder is definately something I could share with people who are interested in travel to Australia.
3) I used Facebook to get in touch with my friend Stuart in Australia..Though my only response that I recieved from him to date was, "You're always welcome to visit Queensland." He is a goofy guy.
4) I created a brochure through MS Publisher for my final project. I really like Publisher and think that my 4th graders would be able to easily use it in the classroom. It is also an easy tool to use at school because the district is so strict about us downloading programs and websites, and we already have access to MS, obviously.
5) AN ATTEMPT was made at using a Notetaking tool...as I have noted, it was a disaster, as I tried to create a poster of my notes on Notecard....grr..
1) Concept Map from Inspiration...
2) I created a Pathfinder of websites and listed them on my blog. I provided brief annotations, and think that the Pathfinder is definately something I could share with people who are interested in travel to Australia.
3) I used Facebook to get in touch with my friend Stuart in Australia..Though my only response that I recieved from him to date was, "You're always welcome to visit Queensland." He is a goofy guy.
4) I created a brochure through MS Publisher for my final project. I really like Publisher and think that my 4th graders would be able to easily use it in the classroom. It is also an easy tool to use at school because the district is so strict about us downloading programs and websites, and we already have access to MS, obviously.
5) AN ATTEMPT was made at using a Notetaking tool...as I have noted, it was a disaster, as I tried to create a poster of my notes on Notecard....grr..
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Wishing I was in Australia
But alas, I am here in Indiana waiting for inches of snow to dump on my weekend.
The inquiry is complete..though the ultimate goal is not. I am still hoping to put my research to work with a trip of a lifetime. My husband was looking over my shoulder from time to time, and said "wow, you got some good stuff there." That's promising.
As for the project, I felt stumped choosing a topic, so the "watching and wondering" were hard for me. I think this is something that my students feel all the time as I give them writing topics, and or other chances for freedom. It's hard to know where to start. I did really enjoy my topic, it just took awhile for me to get there. The webbing was challenging at first too.. I never was really able to hear back from either of my primary sources. I was trying to contact Pam via phone, and we played phone tag for the better part of a week, and I tried to get in touch with my 'mate Stu in Oz, via Facebook, and haven't heard back from him. I wish I could have had those conversations, to make my inquiry even more authentic.
I liked "wiggling" around with my sources, and evaluating what I liked the best, and what was the most useful for my questions. There are so many bad websites though, that are just trying to advertise and sell, that I really felt that the books were my most valuable source. It concerns me when I think about my kids at school using the Internet so much for inquiry, and reminded me why it is so important to a) educate them about the web b) share valuable print sources and c) teach them to use databases, and some of the incredible articles that can be found.
I was frustrated with some of the websites that were supposed to help me incorporate technology. Maybe my computer is getting old (eeks) but I kept getting shut out of "notecard" and I also felt that Inspiration was not user friendly. I am someone though, who needs some time to really play around with technology, and I felt rushed with some aspects of the project, and felt I didnt neccessarily have time to "fool around." I have bookmarked those sites, and hope to return to Inspiration...don't know about the other one :) My kids at school come up to me all the time, at school when they are working at their literacy work stations, and the issue is always at the technology station. My frustrations reminded me of their complaints!
As I stated before, in the future,I think that I would definately narrow the Australian topic down to a particular itinerary and get information about the places included on the itinerary. I couldn't have done this, this time, because I didnt know enough to create an itinerary. Thus, I would say this was a success, and now I can take my information farther.
The inquiry is complete..though the ultimate goal is not. I am still hoping to put my research to work with a trip of a lifetime. My husband was looking over my shoulder from time to time, and said "wow, you got some good stuff there." That's promising.
As for the project, I felt stumped choosing a topic, so the "watching and wondering" were hard for me. I think this is something that my students feel all the time as I give them writing topics, and or other chances for freedom. It's hard to know where to start. I did really enjoy my topic, it just took awhile for me to get there. The webbing was challenging at first too.. I never was really able to hear back from either of my primary sources. I was trying to contact Pam via phone, and we played phone tag for the better part of a week, and I tried to get in touch with my 'mate Stu in Oz, via Facebook, and haven't heard back from him. I wish I could have had those conversations, to make my inquiry even more authentic.
I liked "wiggling" around with my sources, and evaluating what I liked the best, and what was the most useful for my questions. There are so many bad websites though, that are just trying to advertise and sell, that I really felt that the books were my most valuable source. It concerns me when I think about my kids at school using the Internet so much for inquiry, and reminded me why it is so important to a) educate them about the web b) share valuable print sources and c) teach them to use databases, and some of the incredible articles that can be found.
I was frustrated with some of the websites that were supposed to help me incorporate technology. Maybe my computer is getting old (eeks) but I kept getting shut out of "notecard" and I also felt that Inspiration was not user friendly. I am someone though, who needs some time to really play around with technology, and I felt rushed with some aspects of the project, and felt I didnt neccessarily have time to "fool around." I have bookmarked those sites, and hope to return to Inspiration...don't know about the other one :) My kids at school come up to me all the time, at school when they are working at their literacy work stations, and the issue is always at the technology station. My frustrations reminded me of their complaints!
As I stated before, in the future,I think that I would definately narrow the Australian topic down to a particular itinerary and get information about the places included on the itinerary. I couldn't have done this, this time, because I didnt know enough to create an itinerary. Thus, I would say this was a success, and now I can take my information farther.
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
How will you see this brochure?
I am not sure? Do I upload to Oncourse? Hmmmm....It's all ready to go..i will probably try that!
Wrapping up Oz and Waving G'day Mate!
I have decided to use my facts and research about Australia to create a travel brochure. When I sat down and read over my information, I thought what better way to present this trip idea to my husband? He is the type that gets daunted by travel books, and irritated about sifting through vast amounts of travel sites online. If I could provide some basic information, he may be more willing to check out other resources.
I used Microsoft Publisher to create my brochure. I was able to include all of my questions, in a question answer format. I also was able to list some of the top beaches, as kind of an advertisement! During the weaving process, I noted that I had come up with some additional thoughts and ideas. In order to satisfy those queries, I created a sample itinerary of particular places that I would like to include on this trip. I was unable to include as many details, as I would like because of space, but if I am sharing this with my husband, I can provide additional information. I think a brochure is an informational way to convey ideas. They typically aren't full of depth by any means, but they do provide basic information which inspires one, (my husband, hopefully) to learn more.
WAVING
The only way that my information on my brochure will be used is either by us, or by a friend who is planning a trip. This became a more personal inquiry, where I researched questions that pertain to us and ways we like to travel. I wouldn't mind sharing any of my information with a friend. But, I don't think the format I chose to share my information is conducive to sharing on the web, or publishing for others.
My Musings....
Intially I didnt want to narrow this topic down, because I was unsure of what direction I wanted to go in. Now, I could potentially narrow the topic down to just my itinerary and research information about that.
I used Microsoft Publisher to create my brochure. I was able to include all of my questions, in a question answer format. I also was able to list some of the top beaches, as kind of an advertisement! During the weaving process, I noted that I had come up with some additional thoughts and ideas. In order to satisfy those queries, I created a sample itinerary of particular places that I would like to include on this trip. I was unable to include as many details, as I would like because of space, but if I am sharing this with my husband, I can provide additional information. I think a brochure is an informational way to convey ideas. They typically aren't full of depth by any means, but they do provide basic information which inspires one, (my husband, hopefully) to learn more.
WAVING
The only way that my information on my brochure will be used is either by us, or by a friend who is planning a trip. This became a more personal inquiry, where I researched questions that pertain to us and ways we like to travel. I wouldn't mind sharing any of my information with a friend. But, I don't think the format I chose to share my information is conducive to sharing on the web, or publishing for others.
My Musings....
Intially I didnt want to narrow this topic down, because I was unsure of what direction I wanted to go in. Now, I could potentially narrow the topic down to just my itinerary and research information about that.
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Weaving
Let's try this again... I compared many of the choices on the above stated website...grr..and I really thought the poster maker seemed the most user friendly. The notestar had a lot going on, and I couldn't quite figure out how to make sense of it all. I don't know, these websites don't always impress me. As vintage as it sounds, I really like pencil and paper or good ol' Microsoft Word. I organized some of my information into a table, on Word, and saved it as a webpage. Let me know if this doesn't work.
C:\Documents and Settings\Anne Elise\Desktop\Weaving inquiry.htm
AND knowing that this may not work, I have my questions and answers pasted below.....Who knows, this is a rough day technology speaking...
Anyways, as I worked on answering my initial questions, I found many other questions that I was wondering about, which I think is natural when the topic is so broad. I also felt that as I was looking up research I thought of ways that I would want to re phrase my questions. And interestingly enough, I found that I used my print resources the most for my answers.
Which airlines have regular flights there?
Qantas, an Aussie airline, often has many deals for Americans. They fly out of NY, San Francisco and Los Angeles. Other airlines include Virgin Blue, Air Canada, United and British Airways.
“Fodors- Australia”
How feasible is a stop in Hawaii along the way?
It is feasible—It would require a flight to LA, and then to Honolulu. It would also add hours to the flight.
“Let’s Go- Australia”
How long is the plane ride?
15 hours from LA, add 5 ½ more if you depart from the east coast.
“Fodors- Australia”
How expensive are airline tickets?
I found round trip to Sydney from Indianapolis, with a stop in LA for $1252. This was coach, and one may want to consider first class for such a long flight.
www.expedia.com
What is the best time of year to travel there?
Anytime..truly..When it is cold in the south, it is warm in the north. Their summer is December to February, and June through August is winter. The dry season lasts from April to September and the wet from October to March. Going south to Sydney during our summer may mean temps of 60 degrees.
“Lonely Planet- Australia”
What type of food do Aussie’s eat?
Australia is a mix of all of the cultures that have made the continent their home—Greece, Turkey, China, etc.. But most food has a British derivative of sorts. Some traditional dishes include: Kangaroo Pizza, Prawn Laska, Lamingtons (a sweet treat) and Grilled Barramundi. Note: Aussies love a Barbecue!
“DK Eyewitness Australia”
What cities are recommended?
Depends on which region of Australia you want to travel to. For me, I am most interested in Adelaide, New South Wales (Sydney), Melbourne, Tasmania, and Brisbane in Queensland.
See all resources!
Which beaches should I go to?
· Surf at Bondi Beach
· Beautiful coastline at Bruny Island
· Cable beach for a beautiful sunset
· Great beaches at The Great Ocean Road.
· Fraser Island
· Bells Beach
· Byron Beach
Beaches are a huge part of Aussie culture. There are tons..So it would depend on which area or states that one was travelling in.
“The Lonely Planet Australia”
What type of currency should I have?
The Aussies have the Australian dollar. Americans can get a pretty good exchange at this point because of the Australia stock market. ATM’s are recommended along with credit cards for travelling.
“Frommers- Australia from $60.00 a day. “
What is the weather like?
See above for best time to travel!
What are Australian historic sites?
Depends on the region that you are interested in seeing.
Some additional questions that I have thought of..
What are some of the quintessential Aussie experiences?
Is it possible to take a guided tour of the Outback and see Aboriginal culture?
Do they offer boat tours in the Sydney Harbor?
Are wineries worthwhile to visit? I enjoy Australian wine, but is there much of an atmosphere?
The more information that I read, the more my mind began to race. So it seems that I will be returning to some of the W's before this is all said and done.
C:\Documents and Settings\Anne Elise\Desktop\Weaving inquiry.htm
AND knowing that this may not work, I have my questions and answers pasted below.....Who knows, this is a rough day technology speaking...
Anyways, as I worked on answering my initial questions, I found many other questions that I was wondering about, which I think is natural when the topic is so broad. I also felt that as I was looking up research I thought of ways that I would want to re phrase my questions. And interestingly enough, I found that I used my print resources the most for my answers.
Which airlines have regular flights there?
Qantas, an Aussie airline, often has many deals for Americans. They fly out of NY, San Francisco and Los Angeles. Other airlines include Virgin Blue, Air Canada, United and British Airways.
“Fodors- Australia”
How feasible is a stop in Hawaii along the way?
It is feasible—It would require a flight to LA, and then to Honolulu. It would also add hours to the flight.
“Let’s Go- Australia”
How long is the plane ride?
15 hours from LA, add 5 ½ more if you depart from the east coast.
“Fodors- Australia”
How expensive are airline tickets?
I found round trip to Sydney from Indianapolis, with a stop in LA for $1252. This was coach, and one may want to consider first class for such a long flight.
www.expedia.com
What is the best time of year to travel there?
Anytime..truly..When it is cold in the south, it is warm in the north. Their summer is December to February, and June through August is winter. The dry season lasts from April to September and the wet from October to March. Going south to Sydney during our summer may mean temps of 60 degrees.
“Lonely Planet- Australia”
What type of food do Aussie’s eat?
Australia is a mix of all of the cultures that have made the continent their home—Greece, Turkey, China, etc.. But most food has a British derivative of sorts. Some traditional dishes include: Kangaroo Pizza, Prawn Laska, Lamingtons (a sweet treat) and Grilled Barramundi. Note: Aussies love a Barbecue!
“DK Eyewitness Australia”
What cities are recommended?
Depends on which region of Australia you want to travel to. For me, I am most interested in Adelaide, New South Wales (Sydney), Melbourne, Tasmania, and Brisbane in Queensland.
See all resources!
Which beaches should I go to?
· Surf at Bondi Beach
· Beautiful coastline at Bruny Island
· Cable beach for a beautiful sunset
· Great beaches at The Great Ocean Road.
· Fraser Island
· Bells Beach
· Byron Beach
Beaches are a huge part of Aussie culture. There are tons..So it would depend on which area or states that one was travelling in.
“The Lonely Planet Australia”
What type of currency should I have?
The Aussies have the Australian dollar. Americans can get a pretty good exchange at this point because of the Australia stock market. ATM’s are recommended along with credit cards for travelling.
“Frommers- Australia from $60.00 a day. “
What is the weather like?
See above for best time to travel!
What are Australian historic sites?
Depends on the region that you are interested in seeing.
Some additional questions that I have thought of..
What are some of the quintessential Aussie experiences?
Is it possible to take a guided tour of the Outback and see Aboriginal culture?
Do they offer boat tours in the Sydney Harbor?
Are wineries worthwhile to visit? I enjoy Australian wine, but is there much of an atmosphere?
The more information that I read, the more my mind began to race. So it seems that I will be returning to some of the W's before this is all said and done.
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