Science Challenge

For my science challenge I have decided to focus on the 2nd Grade Science core Standard 3 objective 2: Observe and describe weather
a. observe and describe patterns of change in weather
b. measure, record, graph, and report changes in local weather

As a class we will learn how to read thermometers and understand how temperature probes work, and will discuss meteorology. For one week as a class we will track the local weather using a classroom thermometer, or the local weather news. At the same time the students will have picked a place anywhere in the United States or even the world in which they will be doing the same thing (daily measuring, observing and recording the weather) using Google Earth's layer feature of weather. They will record and graph their data using a bar chart from the National Library of Virtual Manipulatives. We will discuss their findings in the change of weather and patterns they may have observed.

TPACK:
1. The content I am focusing on in this activity is observing, measuring, recording, and graphing changes in weather.
2. The pedagogy that I will have my students use is observing, measuring, acquiring and processing data and then analyzing the data. This is a good fit with the chosen content because the students will be able to actively be involved in the learning.
3. The technology that I will use and that my students will be using are thermometers, temperature probes, Google Earth, and bar charts. These sources of technology will enable us to observe the weather not only locally but world wide, and record and analyze our findings.

Google Earth Tour

Other Tours

I really enjoyed watching other classmates' tours. They were so fun and creative!
The three I watched were:
Ashley Daley's about human settlements and geography
Kami's about ecosystems
Kellie Cash's about volcanoes

Virtual Tour Plan

Location	Activity Description	Google Earth Content
1. Parthenon, Greece	View pictures of the Parthenon and read about the essential elements of Greek Mythology, students will measure the building	3D building, ruler
2. St. Peter's Basilica, Rome	View pictures of St. Peter's Basilica and read the contributions of Christianity to the classical civilization of Rome, students will measure the building and compare it to the Parthenon	3D building, ruler
3. Temple of Heaven, China	View pictures of Temple of Heaven, and observe where other Buddhist temples throughout China are, read about and examine the essential elements of Buddhism	3D building, Overlay
4. Taj Mahal, India	View pictures of the Taj Mahal, read and examine the essential elements of Hinduism, Students will compare similarities they noticed between here and the Temple of Heaven in China, and also watch the differences and similarities Youtube video between Buddhism and Hinduism	3D building, placemarker (You tube video)

In this Google Earth Tour the students will examine some of the main religions of the world and the contributions they had to classical civilizations (as stated in Social Studies Core Curriculum Standard 2 objective 1a/b). They will examine essential elements of Greek mythology, Christianity, Buddhism, and Hinduism.
I think using Google Earth to introduce these civilizations and their religion will benefit the students' learning. It will pique the students' interest and they will be able to see that these are real places, about real people and their beliefs. It is more of a hands on, visual learning activity for the students, where they can engage and explore using what Google Earth has to offer, and further satisfy their curiosity. In addition, the students are learning about important and useful technological resources. As a teacher, I can use the gadgets in Google Earth to leave clues, or guide my students through the lesson to achieve what I want them to learn. I can have them compare, contrast, explore, and discuss their findings. It enables me to overlap many different ideas and principles that I need to introduce and teach my students.