These interactive field trips are some of the coolest things I've seen in a while. I think these websites would completely grab students attention and significantly increase their interest in a lesson. As I mentioned before, my Pre-K students LOVE the Computer Center and something like this would completely engulf them in the topic I'd be teaching. In searching through the sites Ms. Schmidt provided, I came across the Dinosaur Excavation site. Although the link no longer works I decided to search for some related to dinosaurs because it is a soon approaching theme in my curriculum.
Through my search I found this interactive dig: Dinosaur Interactive Dig. This website walks you through the process of an excavation and transportation to a museum step-by step. Although it may be a little advanced for my students to manage alone, with either myself or my aid I think my students could learn a lot through a hands-on, interesting tool while having a blast.
I also explored the Museum links and went onto the Smithsonian's website. In searching through I found an interactive flash game called, "Sizing up the Universe," http://www.smithsonianeducation.org/students/idealabs/universe.html. This particular game teaches you all about the universe and simplifies the teaching of relative sizes of different parts of the universe. It is a great way of breaking down for children the concept of the universe in a more understandable, realistic way. We just finished learning about space and will also be learning about the universe so this would be another great interactive site I would incorporate into my lesson plans.
All in all, these interactive websites and virtual field trips are ridiculously innovative and I think every teacher, student and parent should get access to them to really make learning that much more fun!
Lauren, thank you so much for these amazing websites. My Godson who is 8 years old has already informed the family that he is torn with being a Paleontologist or Archaeologist when he grows up. So, needless to say he is going to love these sites and especially me for letting him know about them. The Virtual Dinosaur Dig is an awesome activity he can do with his classmates or friends. Regarding the Smithsonian games, I totally agree that these innovate interactive sites would enhance any class. Students are really in for a treat.
ReplyDeleteLauren--I love the Smithsonian "Sizing up the Universe"! Since I teach math, a lot of the VFTs I found don't tie in to my curriculum, but this does. I will definitely introduce this site to my class.
ReplyDeleteEileen
Lauren-- Thanks again! I just went back to the Smithsonian site and found a great interactive site on climate change which uses math skills my students can handle.
ReplyDeleteEileen
Lauren, I'm glad you found something you can use with your preschoolers. I took note of the broken link you found for Dinosaur Excavation and will fix that on the list, thank you. The Smithsonian is a great site and one I've used with my classes.
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