6. Area of nationally developed curriculum.

This is an integrated unit of work that will have outcomes from several different areas of the nationally developed curriculum.

Subject: SOSE

Strand: Time, continuity and change.

3.2 Constructs a sequence from a set of events.

Investigation, communication and participation.

3.16 Frames questions and identifies sources of information.

3.17 Presents information to explore a key idea.

Learning Outcomes

3.2 will be achieved through the design of a chart showing the changes that occurred during the three periods of time that dinosaurs lived on earth.

3.16 will be achieved by using a computer to find and prepare information for presentation.

3.17 will be achieved through collating information and using that information to design a poster showing the dinosaurs, vegetation, animals and environment of earth during a particular period of time (Studies of society and environment - a curriculum profile for Australian schools, 1994, pp. 46 & 51).

Subject: Computers

KITO: Level 2 Operations and computer components

Level 2 publishing

Learning Outcomes

During this unit of work the children will be required to load the Dinosaur CD and use the CD. They will also be expected to publish some of their work using the computer (Computer Education Discussion Group, 1996, p.1).

Subject: The Arts

Strand: Visual Arts - creating, making and presenting.

2.22 Makes choices about elements in the visual arts and organises them in expressive ways.


Learning Outcomes

The students will show an understanding of the concepts such as 'small' and 'tall' and 'narrow' and 'wide' in their construction of a model dinosaur (The arts - a curriculum profile for Australian schools, 1994, p.42).

7. Off computer activities related to topic.

The class will undertake a range of off computer activities during this unit including the following:

• select a dinosaur and write about a day in your life, as a dinosaur, in either a story or diary from,
• compile a fact file about the dinosaur you have selected and include an illustrated portrait of yourself,
• compose a series of prehistoric poems in various styles to create a class dinosaur poetry book,
• in groups design a newspaper set in the dinosaur era containing relevant news and information,
• design and make dinosaur masks,
• in groups design and make large models of dinosaur,
• research the various theories as to why dinosaurs became extinct. Why do you think they became extinct?
• research modern day animals that are descendant from the dinosaur era. Sketch the dinosaur and his modern day descendent,
• make your own fossils, watch the video, Jurassic Park, discuss and do a written review,
• excursion to the museum if there is a dinosaur display,
• finish the unit with a Celebrate Dinosaur Day where all work would be on display and parents would be invited for afternoon tea and some activities. (Many of these activities have been taken from Small, H., 1993)

8. Computer based activities related to the topic.

Students will be expected to undertake some work on the computer for various parts of this unit of work. This includes:

• using the CD Dinosaurs to research information on dinosaurs and other information on that particular time,
• in groups use the computer to create a poster of one of the time periods and include information on the weather, plants, animals and environment of the time. Include pictures,
• using the CD Dinosaurs and/or books research what fossils are and how they are made. Publish your findings on the computer with drawings,
• design and make an invitation for your parents to the Celebrate Dinosaur Afternoon Tea. (Many of the ideas for these activities have been taken from Small, H., 1993.)

9. Classroom management and evaluation strategies.

Classroom Management

The children will be rostered onto the computer in small groups to undertake their research and other activities to complete their work for this unit.

As the CD has sound effects which the children enjoy, especially at high volume, headphones will be used.

The computer is in an area of the class room that is away from where the majority of the children are working so that it is not a distraction to the rest of the class.

Evaluation

A variety of techniques and strategies will be used to assess the students progress and work. These include:

• evaluating finished work,
• questioning individual students and groups about what they are doing,
• watching how students use the computer and ask questions,
• having a class quiz

Parents will be able to see the students work at the celebrate Dinosaur Afternoon Tea where all the work will be on display and students will recite some of their poetry, stories and songs they have done. Students will discuss the work they have undertaken.

At the tea certificates will be awarded to all students in recognition of their particular work or contribution to the unit.

References

Computer Education Discussion Group, 1996, Key Intended Information Technology Outcomes, Draft Document, Unpublished, University of Tasmania, Launceston.

Small, H., 1993, Dinosaur Discovery Book A, User Friendly Resource Enterprises Ltd., Sydney.

Small, H., 1993, Dinosaur Discovery Book B, User Friendly Resource Enterprises Ltd., Sydney.

Small, H., 1993, Dinosaur Discovery Book C, User Friendly Resource Enterprises Ltd., Sydney.

Studies of society and environment - a curriculum profile for Australian schools, 1994, Curriculum Corporation, Carlton.

The arts - a curriculum profile for Australian schools, 1994, Curriculum Corporation, Carlton.