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PolarTREC Posters

Overview

In this lesson students research scientific field expeditions and learn what it is like working in the field. Students are able to ask questions of the research team as part of their project. Students then share what they have learned with their classmates.

Objective

  1. Students understand what really goes on in the field during a scientific study.

  2. Students learn about polar science as they investigate the expeditions.

  3. Students learn how to ask "significant" questions as they interact with the scientific team in the field.

  4. Students learn about the international effort involved in polar science.

  5. Students learn communication skills as they construct the poster and present the information to their classmates.

Preparation

Arrange for class computer access.

Procedure

  • Assign groups of students individual PolarTREC Expeditions to follow (at www.polartrec.com).

  • Discuss what makes a good informational poster and go over the rubric.

  • Discuss the difference between significant questions and trivial questions in preparation for asking the research team a question online.

  • Provide the appropriate amount of class time.

  • Have students show and orally present their posters to the class.

Extension

Have students present the information orally to the class. You may want to develop an oral presentation rubric.

Resources

www.polartrec.com

Assessment

Use the PolarTREC poster rubric (attached)

Credits

Robert K. Harris, harrisr [at] hartfordschools [dot] net

Materials:
Computer and Internet access
Color printer (optional)
Poster board
Scissors
Glue
Standards:
5-8
Content Standard A: Science As Inquiry:
a. Abilities necessary to do scientific inquiry
b. Understandings about scientific inquiry
Content Standard E: Science and Technology:
a. Abilities of technological design
b. Understandings about science and technology
Content Standard G: History and Nature of Science:
a. Science as a human endeavor
b. Nature of science
c. History of science
9-12
Content Standard A: Science As Inquiry:
a. Abilities necessary to do scientific inquiry
b. Understandings about scientific inquiry
Content Standard E: Science and Technology:
a. Abilities of technological design
b. Understandings about science and technology
Content Standard F: Science In Personal and Social Perspectives:
f. Science and technology in local, national, and global challenges
Content Standard G: History and Nature of Science:
a. Science as a human endeavor
b. Nature of scientific knowledge
c. Historical perspectives
Other Standards:

n/a

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