The Tech Savvy Teacher

Mrs. Campbell and Ms. Adamson's 4th Grade Technology Tribune!!

In a world where technology has become a large part of every day life, we as teachers have a duty to expose students to the technologies used around the world. We need to be more “tech savvy” in our teaching, and need to be more aware of the technologies that can be used to enhance learning for our students. Using technology in the classroom can prepare students for the technology-based society they live in. Seeing the need for increased use and understanding of technology, we decided to use Google Earth to meet a fourth grade science objective.

Students used Google Earth to locate seismic disturbances and see their effect on the Earth's surface.

In this picture, a student is searching for seismic activity that may have effected the physical characteristics of the Earth's surface. One feature of Google Earth shows a volcano symbol (shown above) where volcanic action occurs making it easy for students to locate independent of the teacher.

In this picture, you can see a student beginning work in Google Earth.

Our class has been focusing on the geological features of the Earth including weather, erosion, and mountain uplift. For this lesson, we were specifically concerned with Standard 2, Objective 3d: to describe and justify how the surface of Earth would appear if there were no mountain uplift, weathering, or erosion.

To introduce our topic, we passed an apple around the room and wrote the physical characteristics on the board. We wanted to bring attention to the smoothness of the apple. We then asked students to imagine they were holding the Earth in their hands and as a class listed the characteristics we would feel. We then visited our schools computer lab to view Google Earth. Students were able to explore the Earth’s surface and see the features of the Earth they have been learning about in class. We explained to students that if the earth did not undergo these physical changes, it would be smooth like the apple.

In this picture, a student has zoomed in on a spot with seismic activity to see the effects on the Earth's surface. It is easy to tell this region is mountainous and rugged. A student would interpret this data to mean this activity under the surface effects the surface.

The technology used enhanced student learning by showing an accurate depiction of the Earth’s surface. While it is good for students to imagine what the Earth looks like, seeing it on the screen and locating different features brings greater understanding. From our experience, we have seen how technology can extend learning beyond the capabilities of the past. We have the resources available, and it is our responsibility to utilize them for the benefit of our students.

Students participated in a classroom discussion to discuss characteristics of both an apple and the earth.

Students were able to feel the smoothness of an apple.