Example: Name Game
Have the group sit in a circle on the floor. The first child will
say her first name and an animal that she thinks represents who
she is. (Everyone should try to think of a different animal.) Each
child afterwards will have to repeat what the previous children
have said and then say his or her own name and type of animal.
Part 2: Read-Aloud
What is it?
Suggested reading is Sand, by Ellen Prager. This book explains
how different types of sand are created, where sand can be found
and how it gets there. The book combines drawings with color photographs
and includes instructions on how to make sand. Click here for other
recommended books.
Have participants pair up to discuss questions, and then share them
as a group.
Sample questions
- Was it surprising to learn that sand is the word used to describe
the size of a grain? What is the difference between sand and gravel?
- What are the colors of the different types of sand you have
seen at a beach or in a sandbox? Has anyone ever seen sand with
an unusual color, such as black or pink? What do you think the
sand you have seen was made of?
Tip
If a sample of sand and a magnifying glass are available, this is
a great time to have participants touch the sand and look at it
with the glass.
Part 3: Web Review
What is it?
Participants will look at Web sites containing information about
soil and related subjects such as earthworms. Participants will
use Web site review sheets to focus their review of the content
on the sites and to introduce evaluation concepts for the design
and functionality of a Web site.
Suggested sites
NASA
Soil Science Education Homepage
This site is not visually appealing but has useful, interesting
information, including a soil photo gallery and answers to questions
such as "How much soil is there on Earth?" The site includes links
to other soil-related sites and a book list.
U.S. Department of Agriculture: Ask
the Answer Worm
Answers to 13 basic questions about soil. The site is easy to read
and understand and includes illustrations.
U.S. Department of Environmental Protection: What
On Earth is Soil?
A fact sheet on soil. Information is from the U.S. Department of
Agriculture.
Yuckiest Site on the Internet: Worm
World
Attractive science education site with lots of graphics and interesting
info. Check out the earthworm section to see videos of an earthworm's
heart beating and a worm emerging from a cocoon.
How to
Before the session:
1. Prepare a Web page or email containing links to the Web sites.
It is easier for participants to access the Web sites if they can
work from an email or Web page that has the links for the sites
already embedded. A closed page of links will also reduce the likelihood
that the students come across sites containing inappropriate content.
The facilitator can use a Web publishing program such as Netscape
Composer to create a simple page containing links to the appropriate
sites. This page can be placed on the computer desktops to facilitate
easy access. If all the participants have email accounts and can
access them at the program site, the facilitator can send an email
to each participant with the links embedded.
2. Prepare Web site review sheets.
- Best Option: Scavenger Hunt.
Review the sites carefully to find
interesting facts and other types of information. Write up these
facts as questions for the participants to answer as they look
at the sites. Be sure to make an answer sheet to compare with
the information that the participants find.
- Another Option: General Evaluation.
Use a Web site evaluation
sheet as a model for developing your evaluation sheet. Most sheets
will probably require some changes or additions.
- Be sure the sheet includes space for the students to write down
at least five interesting facts learned from the sites.
Check these sites for examples:
During the session:
- Gather the group around one computer and pull up the Web sites
to demonstrate what to look for and how to navigate the pages.
If the group is new to using Web browsers, emphasize basic navigation
techniques, such as using the navigation buttons, scrolling and
clicking on links.
- Have participants pair up to work on their review sheets. After
a review period of no longer than 20 minutes, have each pair share
the notes from their review sheets and any interesting photos,
graphics, charts or other information they have found. This can
be accomplished by walking as a group from computer to computer.
Tip
Facilitators should thoroughly review all sites before directing
participants to them. Reviewing the sites will allow the facilitator
to point out particularly interesting areas and will ensure that
participants are not directed to pages that have inappropriate content.
Part 4: Journals
What is it?
Do a journal exercise, as described in Session 1, Part 4. Share
the journal entries as a group.
Sample exercise
Create a compare-and-contrast chart about soil and sand. Divide
a page into two columns: one for soil and one for sand. What is
each substance made of? What does each look like? What lives in
each one? Where is each found? How does each help the environment?
How does each help animals and plant life? How does each help people?
(If soil and sand samples are available, have participants take
notes after touching and looking at the samples.)
Part 5: Daily Newsletter
What is it?
Do the daily newsletter exercise, as described in Session
1, Part 5.
Extension activities
Do the sand-making activity described in the back pages of Sand,
by Ellen Prager. Complete instructions are provided. Supplies needed
include an empty coffee can with a lid, water, small rocks, a plastic
cup and a magnifying glass.
Examine the bodies of earthworms to learn more about them. Check
out a related lesson
plan on the San Francisco Exploratorium Web site for activity
suggestions. Supplies needed include worms, paper towels, a water
spray bottle, alcohol, vanilla extract, sand, soil, a flashlight,
a plastic tray, ice cubes and a magnifying glass.
