Internet Activities Part II
Site Explorations
One easy way to begin to use the Internet to support the curriculum is
to explore one web site. Students need a purpose for the exploration -
completing a worksheet, keeping a diary, writing a report, presenting
an oral presentation, etc.
Reference Sites:
Social Studies
Science
Language Arts
Mathematics
The Arts
Miscellaneous
Internet Projects
Many interactive projects are available on the Internet. The Internet
is used as a communication medium to share relevant information. In
order for classes to participate in on-line projects, the teacher must
have an e-mail address.
Projects range from simple to complex. One teacher asked classes across
the United States to e-mail her when the tulips in there area were
blooming. She in turn shared the information with all participating
classes. Each class placed markers on a map as the tulips boomed. They
were able to trace the movement of Spring across the United States.
Another ongoing project sponsored by the National Geographic Society
asks participating classes to collect rain samples in their area and
test them for acid content. This information is shared with scientists
who are studying the acid rain problem.
Reference Sites:
Research
The power of the Internet is evident when using it for research.
Students and teachers can utilize search engines to locate a wealth of
data on almost any topic. Learning to effectively find useful
information is a skill that must be developed and practiced. Students
must also learn to judge content accuracy.
When students are allowed to search on the Internet, the potential for
problems increases. Be sure that students always have an instructional
reason to search, that they are closely supervised, and that they
follow all district rules for independent Internet access.
Reference Sites:
Teacher Planning
A myriad of lesson plans and links to outstanding educational web sites
are accessible on the Internet. Lessons and informational web sites are
available in virtually every subject for every grade level. Many of the
plans posted on the sites below incorporate technology and the use of
the Internet. These plans will serve as a model as you discover
appropriate web sites and develop activities for your students.
The best approach for developing effective Internet activities is to
look at your curriculum as a whole. Examine standards for areas where
Internet resources might enhance instruction. (Don’t use the Internet
if other resources can do the job better!) Then search the web for
suitable sites. Develop or use already developed activities and
projects that will address the selected standards.
Reference Sites:
Content Rich Sites Subject Area Sites
Early Learning
Language Arts
Mathematics
Science
Social Studies
Sites with Resources and Activities in Various Subject Areas
Teacher Online Tools