"Great Balls of Fire!" was a tremendous success! Thirty students participated in lessons involving volcanoes, earthquakes and plate tectonics every day after lunch from 1:15-2:00. English Language Learners (ELLs) joined us from Ms. Peter and Mr. Flinchpaugh's classes so that they could develop stronger English skills by integrating Science with ELL techniques.
The grant money enabled us to purchase many posters and books, a few videos, and a large model of a volcano. These proved to be excellent visual aids. With the use of an LCD projector, websites with videos or animated graphics of volcanoes erupting and earthquakes occurring excited the children because the projected images made them feel like they were in a movie theater. The CD-ROM purchased by the funds was also projected onto this screen with the same effect. One of the posters bought was a map of the world with the tectonic plates of Earth. Students compared this with a jigsaw puzzle. Once again, websites with animated graphics of the plates enhanced understanding.
The fact that the project emphasized
Partnerships and Team work enabled all
students to stay actively engaged. Comprehension was enhanced by frequent
diagramming
and illustrating of concepts (research has proven this to be an effective
strategy). We also took advantage of the activity kits purchased with the grant
money. Using these,
students learned the difference between volcanoes created in subduction zones
vs. island formation from "hot spots". Another activity allowed
greater understanding of epicenters.
At the end of the year, students painted their
volcano models
working in Teams of three (ten kits were purchased with
grant funds). When they were finished, the students
decided who would keep the model, the poster,
and activity book.