Online Projects, Collaboration Sites, and Publishing Opportunities

Lesson Idea Template

Name: Bugging Out

Grade Level: 4th
Content Area: Science
Standards Addressed: S4L1. Obtain, evaluate, and communicate information about the roles of
organisms and the flow of energy within an ecosystem
Title of Online Project/Collaboration Site/Publishing Opportunity: Bugs that bug us
URL of Online Project/Collaboration Site/Publishing Opportunity:
http://bugscope.beckman.uiuc.edu/
Describe how you would use the Online Project/Collaboration Site/Publishing Opportunity in
your classroom: I am going to use BugScope in my classroom. It gives the students an up close
and personal observation of an insect of their choosing. My class would send their specimens off
to a scientist located at the University of Illinois where they load the insect specimen into a
microscope. My students are given the opportunity to view their insects during a live online
session with the scientist. They then collaborate with the scientist on their own observations as
well as learn new observations and concepts from the experts themselves.
What technologies would be required to implement this proposed learning activity in a
classroom? Computer with internet access, Color printer, and Digital camera
Describe how the following features are addressed in this learning experience (note: all of them
may not be addressed in the project, but most should be if you are reaching a high LoTi Level.):
a. Collaboration with peers, near-peers, mentors outside their classroom and often
beyond their school: The class sends their specimens off to a scientist located at the
University of Illinois where they load the insect specimen into a microscope.
b. Student-centered learning and knowledge creation (collecting original data and or
producing original products as a result of engaging in the project): Students must
collect data on their bugs to send to the lab. They must gather samples, list
characteristics and preform tests.
c. Higher-order thinking: This type of online learning opportunity allows students to
assume adult roles and collaborate with peers, mentors and experts to enrich their
learning experience.
d. Students publishing their original work to others who will use/care about their
product: Students will present their observations in a science fair fashion. After
they collaborate with their scientist they will compose a poster board to present to
the class on their bug.

Bloom’s Level of Critical Thinking Required (check all that apply):

See http://epltt.coe.uga.edu/index.php?title=Bloom%27s_Taxonomy
Remembering Understanding Applying Analyzing Evaluating Creating
What Level of Technology Implementation best describes this learning activity and Why? It is
Level 5: Expansion because the technology access is extended beyond the classroom.
How could you implement this proposed learning experience and still comply with your district’s
Internet Safety and Student Privacy policies?
It is important for teachers to keep the families as well as administration informed on what the
students are doing on the internet and what precautions were taken to keep them safe. Students

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will need to be educated prior to using the internet on how to best protect their digital
citizenship. A few strategies that can be applied are: only being allowed on the classroom website
with a password, only using first or nicknames for students, not including the name of the school
or grade level of the students, and blocking any non-educational or inappropriate websites.