Ferryway school educators participating in the HP Leadership Institute Grant are transforming their school into a 21st century learning community by planning, designing and implementing project-based instructional units that model technology integration. Building upon the success of last year’s HP Technology for Teaching Grant , a group of fifth grade teachers in collaboration with a technology integration specialist, implemented an innovative 5th grade unit called the Saugus Iron Work (SIW) Great Adventure. The unit uses a Project-based Learning (PBL) approach to effectively integrate history, science, mathematics, and English Language Arts instruction. The unit also features a student-friendly website that engages students through Internet research, interactive simulations and multimedia presentations. Results from the state’s standardized science exam showed significant increases in student performance as measured by test items that are aligned to the unit’s content.

This year, the team is using the same strategy to launch a second unit called Biome Breakthrough. Biome Breakthrough is a fourth grade unit that integrates science, mathematics, reading and writing. In the unit, students use scientific inquiry to help return lost animals to their proper habitat or biome. Students learn how to research and classify animals by their physical properties using concept mapping software to demonstrate their knowledge. Students also use graphing software to create biome climographs from temperature and precipitation data found on various weather websites.

In order to help facilitate technology adoption by the fourth grade teachers, the SIW teachers provided mentoring on how to best integrate technology into their classrooms. Fourth grade teachers are also involved in reviewing and editing the Biome unit in order to produce an updated version of the unit website and to create a printed teacher guide.

The goal of the Ferryway HP leadership team is to vertically integrate science and technology curricula to improve student performance and increase interest in science and math. In order to sustain the momentum provided by the HP Leadership Grant, the Ferryway school will be one of seven schools to receive a state grant to extend the school day next year (2007-2008). The main goals of the Ferryway Extended Learning Time (ELT) grant will be to increase student opportunities for 1-to-1 mobile computing and the use of Project-Based Learning as an enrichment activity.

Outline

> Short video documenting how students are using mobile computers
> Pictures of students engaged in work
> Sample of student work
> Printed Biome teacher curriculum guide

Supporting Research

N/A

Presenter Background

Fiducia, C., Keroack, E., Simpson, R.L. Creating, Implementing, and Sustaining a Systemic Curriculum/Technology Integration Model. Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development Annual Conference. Chicago IL, April 3, 2006.

McKeone, J., Sartwell, R., Simpson, R.L., Implementing a Student-friendly Integrated Science Curricula: The Saugus Iron Works. National Science Teachers Association Regional Conference. Baltimore MD, November 4, 2006.

Simpson, R.L. Technology Connecting Centuries. Massachusetts Computer Using Educators Annual Conference. Sturbridge MA, November 16, 2006.

McKeone, J. and Simpson, R.L. Connecting the Centuries with 21st Century Technology. Massachusetts Environmental Education Society MEES Annual Conference. Worcester MA, March 7, 2007.

Prerequisites

none

Referenced Web Links

Ferryway Extended Learning Time Blog
http://ferryway.edublogs.org/

Saugus Iron Works Blog
http://www.tritec-inc.org/blogs/siw/