Inquiry+Activity+Mary

(1) Describe the activity. The activity that I am using is from the "web quest locator."

Name of activity: An Insect's Perspective. Link: [|http://projects.edtech.sandi.net/grant/insects/t-index.htm]

(2a) NYS Standards

Science Standards Grade 2

Content Standard 2.4: Life Science: The student develops an understanding of the characteristics of living things.

Content Standard 2.5: Life Science: The student develops an understanding of the life cycles of organisms.

Content Standard 2.6: Life Science: The student develops an understanding of organisms and their environments.

Language Arts Standards Grade 2 Content Standard 2.1: The student regularly reads a wide variety of materials, which includes significant literature from different cultures as well as informational text, and studies some authors or topics in depth.

Content Standard 2.2: The student develops the skills and strategies necessary to read fluently and comprehend thoroughly literary and informational text. The student understands the basic features of reading and applies thisknowledge for fluent oral and silent reading.

Content Standard 2.3: The student understands, analyzes, interprets, evaluates, and extends the meaning of a wide variety of significant literature--nonfiction, fiction, poetry, and drama. The student develops the necessary skills to read and comprehend thoroughly literary and informational text, connecting text with prior knowledge and personal experience.

Content Standard 2.4: The student understands, analyzes, synthesizes, and evaluates informational and technical text, connecting text with prior knowledge and experience.

Content Standard 2.5: The student writes effectively for a range of audiences and a variety of purposes, following the conventions of standard, written language, and using the steps of the writing process as needed.

Content Standard 2.7: The student listens and responds critically to oral communications and speaks in a manner that guides and informs the listener.

(2b) National Education Technology Standards I thought that this activity really encompassed ALL of the National Educational Technology Standards.

1.Creativitny andeInntovsation Students demonstrate creative thinking, construct knowledge, and develop innovative products and processes using technology. Students: a. acknowledge to generate new ideas, products, or processes b. create original works as a means of personal or group expression c. use models and simulations to explore complex systems and issues d. identify trends and forecast possibilities explicitly.

2.Communication and Collaboration Students use digital media and environments to communicate and work collaboratively, including at a distance, to support individual learning and contribute to the learning of others. Students: a. interact, collaborate, and publish with peers, experts, or others employing a variety of digital environments and media b. communicate information and ideas effectively to multiple audiences using a variety of media and formats c. develop cultural understanding and global awareness by engaging with learners of other cultures d. contribute to project teams to produce original works or solve problems net.

3.Research and Information Fluency Students apply digital tools to gather, evaluate, and use information. Students: a. plan strategies to guide inquiry b. locate, organize, analyze, evaluate, synthesize, and ethically use information from a variety of sources and media c. evaluate and select information sources and digital tools based on the appropriateness to specific tasks d. processdataandreportresults

4.Critical Thinking, Problem Solving, and Decision Making Students use critical thinking skills to plan and conduct research, manage projects, solve problems, and make informed decisions using appropriate digital tools and resources. Students: a.identify and define authentic problems and significant questions for investigation b. plan and manage activities to develop a solution or complete a project c. collect and analyze data to identify solutions and/or make informed decisions d. use multiple processes and diverse perspectives to explore alternative solutions

5. Digital Citizenship Students understand human, cultural, and societal issues related to technology and practice legal and ethical behavior. Students: a. advocate and practice safe, legal, and responsible use of information and technology b. exhibit a positive attitude toward using technology that supports collaboration, learning, and productivity c. demonstrate personal responsibility for lifelong learning d. exhibit leadership for digital citizenship

6.Technology Operations and Concepts Students demonstrate a sound understanding of technology concepts, systems, and operations. Students: a. understand and use technology systems b. select and use applications effectively and productively c. troubleshoot systems and applications d. transfer current knowledge to learning of new technologies

(3) Why do you think this is a good inquiry based activity? I think this is a great inquiry based activity. First off, the activity puts the student in a real-life situation. Every one of us has been faced with the dilemma before in our homes of whether we kill the insect or set it free. In second grade students are started to leanr more in depth about insects as well as develop their moral barometers. Not only is this activity important to help students research and learn about different insects, it also helps them learn how to work as a team in their group. The creator of this lesson used to idea of an "emotional response" to the insect in asking questions such as "do you like this insect?" or "are insects needed by humans?" This creates a more in depth inquiry for the student. Finally, the use of the letter to the exterminator was a great formative tool of assessment to culminate the activity.