The Lighthouse Technology Grants are funded through the federal Technology Literacy Challenge Fund and are intended to identify, enhance, and disseminate existing classroom projects that incorporate new technologies with the learning standards in the state curriculum frameworks to motivate students to learn.
These projects, having already proven their effectiveness in the classroom, will serve as models, and the classroom teachers as mentors, for other classrooms in the school, other schools within the districts, or other districts across the state. The Lighthouse Technology Grant Recipients will be offering technology professional development opportunities throughout the school year and the summer.
AbingtonMolly Boyle
781-982-2160 |
Abington High School
Grade Level: High School Images of Literature This project enriches students understanding of a literary work through the integration of arts media and technology. Students produce a PowerPoint presentation of the visual art they have found on the Internet to correspond with selected scenes from a novel. The project is designed to encourage students to understand that artistic creativity can be expressed in various ways--with writers, a written language, and with artists, a visual language. The project requires cooperative learning, meets multiple learning styles, and is assessed with established rubrics for writing and media presentations. |
Amherst Liliana Klass
413-253-9731 |
Fort River School
Grade Level: Elementary Eratosthenes Made Easy Fifth grade students engage in scientific investigation using computer software tools to support and extend their scientific research. Using e-mail to confer with a NASA scientist and other student groups in two different areas of the country, students then apply their understanding of technology, mathematics, and the scientific method to measure the circumference of the earth. |
AmherstMary Streeter
413-256-6726 |
Crocker Farm Elementary School
Grade Level: Elementary Kids Creating Learning Resources on the Web Third graders create learning resources by publishing their projects to the web. When the students know that their work will be viewed by the world, they are motivated to produce work of quality. In some cases, teachers even use the students' writing in web quests and as models for other students.The web publications also initiate e-mail relationships with other students and teachers around the globe through which ideas are exchanged and more learning occurs. |
Amherst-PelhamPeggy Westcott
413-549-9755 |
Amherst Regional Middle School
Grade Level: Middle Enhancing Curriculum Connections Through the use of Innovative Technology and Instructional Methods Interdisciplinary teaching teams at Amherst Regional Middle School (ARMS) create integrated units that incorporate technology. Each ARMS team chooses a current curriculum unit to enhance with technology. A leader from each team is selected and acts as a mentor to other members of the team. At workshops mentors and teachers learn to use applications and related technology within the curriculum. The use of technology enables teachers to make curriculum adaptations based on each student's individual needs. |
ArlingtonGail Treanor
781-641-5437 |
Ottoson Middle School
Grade Level: Middle Colonial Time Travel Students use software that simulates time travel and interactive web journeys to creatively and constructively explore American colonial history and uncover experiences of mind and imagination. Using multimedia technologies, students interpret and analyze documents, as well as produce new documents based on the early American writing style. |
ArlingtonJosephine Antonellis
781-641-5437 x2316 |
Ottoson Middle School
Grade Level: Middle Motion and Velocity Concepts Students use Robolab, an icon driven programming language, to program Lego machines. They collectively construct and extend their knowledge by sharing ideas, theories, and experimental results with one another across a computer network. |
BarnstableCharles Shark |
Grade Level: High School
Computer Repair and Networking: The Business of Technology Students and staff members receive instruction on computer repairs and networking. By the conclusion of the first term, students are able to: rebuild a computer in working order, trouble shoot problems with a computer system, use tools and meters to perform maintenance and trouble-shooting tasks, load an operating system, and work as a team in a cooperative setting. Many students will have nearly completed the Cisco Academy Network and Windows NT Administration course. |
BarnstableSusan Simon
508-420-2272 |
Grade Level: Middle
Web Design for Classroom Instruction Students in eighth grade English classes use teacher-created web pages to access Internet resources to expand and enhance curriculum. The web pages are an integrated curriculum thread that can be as simple as a clickable hotlist or as complex as a treasure hunt or cooperative learning Webquest project. |
BostonNatalie Thomas
617-635-8099 |
Conley Elementary School
Grade Level: Elementary Literacy In A Bag: A Travelling Buddy Backpack Project In this online collaborative project, students in grades K-5 create traveling buddy literacy backpacks. Enclosed in the backpacks from the Conley School are theme-based books about Boston and Plymouth, as well as the class mascot--a stuffed animal. As the backpacks travel throughout the United States, students communicate by e-mail to find out how their mascot is spending its week in another classroom. Students learn about the geography, history, economy, weather, and time zones of each city that the backpacks and mascots visit. They then publish travelling pictures and information on their classroom websites. |
Bridgewater-RaynhamLinda Burmeister
508-279-2120 |
Bridgewater-Raynham
Grade Level: Elementary See it, Say it, Write it An inclusion classroom teacher and two speech-language pathologists integrate technology with the Language Arts Frameworks for elementary school students. Students use technology to capture visual images and then use their preferred mode of communication (spoken English, signed English, or English as a second language) to make presentations to the class. |
Bridgewater-RaynhamElizabeth Sullivan
508-279-2114 |
Bridgewater Elementary School
Grade Level: Elementary The Write Stuff Technology is used to aid first grade students just beginning to write in exploring different forms of written expression and different purposes for their writing. Projects are tied to local curriculum as well as the Curriculum Frameworks. Hardware and software used include Sunbuddy Writer word processors, and KidPix Studio Deluxe. |
CambridgeKenneth Neal
617-349-6878 |
Grade Level: Elementary
Writing on the Run Alpha Smart portable word processors are used at three schools to support literacy in grades 3-5. Students develop skills in research and journal writing while following the writing process. The availability of the word processors enables students to complete and expand upon assignments during the school day and over the weekends when a signing out system is offered. Parent information sessions and student work celebrations increase involvement and enthusiasm for the program. |
CambridgeJoanne E. Krepelka
617-349-6478 |
Cambridge Rindge and Latin School
Grade Level: High School Using Rubrics and Electronic Portfolio for Assessment of Technology Proficiencies 9-12 Cambridge Rindge and Latin School has been formulating an implementation plan for a technology proficiency graduation requirement founded on a project-based assessment. To address the key component of staff development, mentor teachers work within the departments to develop model curriculum units that address the proficiencies listed under each project. A program that piloted the concept of proficiencies within the core curriculum of 9th and 10th grades enabled the development of rubrics. These rubrices will be used as a tool for teachers to assess student work and to provide directions for students to complete the proficiency requirement. |
CambridgeDorothy O'Brien
617-349-6466 |
Martin Luther King Jr. School
Grade Level: K-8 Ni Hao EXCEL (EXcellence in Chinese/English Learning) Project This program uses technology to promote the learning of Chinese and English for all students in grades K-8, fully integrating native Chinese speaking students, international ESL students, and native English speakers. A variety of software is used to enhance both the English as a Second Language Program and the Mandarin Chinese Program which is offered to all students in K-5. |
DanversLisa Horn
978-927-5408 |
Grade Level: Elementary
Performance Portfolios Students use powerpoint, digital camera images, scanned artwork, video, and audio to produce their own portfolios. The goal of the portfolios is to allow students greater freedom and creativity in their personal academic growth. They set individual goals and celebrate success through the process of selecting artifacts from their "working portfolio" to be placed in their "final portfolio." |
DouglasAlberta Collins
508-476-2154 |
Douglas Elementary School
Grade Level: Elementary Project TOWNS Grade 3 students explore their own community and those of other cultures and eras through the use of technology. The past and present are linked when students use innovative computer technology to design and build three-dimensional models of buildings in their own community and other communities throughout history. |
ErvingMichael Lipinski
413-659-3326 |
Erving Elementary School
Grade Level: Middle The Turtle School of Dance - Using MicroWorlds to Meet State Mathematics Curriculum Standards The Logo computer language is used to challenge students to develop a deep understanding of fundamental geometry concepts. Students choreograph a series of dances for their computer "turtle" to demonstrate a solid understanding of the geometry of regular polygons. This is done by simultaneous use of Microworlds and ClarisWorks (Appleworks) spreadsheets. |
Fall RiverMaureen Brisson
508-675-8298 |
Grade Level: Pre-School/Kindergarten
Preschool, Kindergarten and Technology During the 1998-1999 school year, all kindergarten classrooms received an iMac, a printer, and the Preschool/ Kindergarten Adventures Bundle. With each kindergarten classroom having the same station, printer, and software, it became possible to train and implement a technology integrated program districtwide. A study group formed in collaboration with preschool teachers has enabled a continuum of skills and technology enhanced curriculum from preschool through kindergarten. |
FalmouthSteven Allietta
508-548-0606 |
Lawrence Middle School
Grade Level: Middle Lawrence Middle School Technology Integration Project Teachers at Lawrence Middle School work in integrated teams consisting of an English, social studies, science, and math teacher. A rotation cycle allows teacher teams to work with approximately 120 students in a G3 lab for an entire day on curriculum aligned to the frameworks. In addition, trained Student Tech Teams learn to troubleshoot classroom computer problems. |
FitchburgJoseph Wells
978-343-2149 |
Grade Level: Elementary
Health Tech.--Integrating Technology into a Comprehensive Health Program Units of classroom practice that align with the Massachusetts Health Framework, integrate technology into the existing health curriculum for grades 1, 3, and 5. First graders use multimedia software and a large screen monitor to bring human body systems to life. Third graders use interactive group software and an authoring tool to create friendship books in the computer lab. Fifth graders worked as a class through an Internet Webquest that provided realistic answers to questions around substance abuse. |
Hamilton-WenhamJudith A. Naylor
978-468-5323 |
Grade Level: Middle
Technology Tools for Building Frameworks Three middle school teachers, grades 6-8, in science, math, and health sciences, have developed exemplary technology enhanced curricular projects for middle school students. Each project is aligned to the state curriculum frameworks. A science teacher has implemented web-based research projects on genetics and space. A math teacher has created open-ended, problem-solving activities for studies in geometry. A life skills and health sciences teacher uses simulation software to examine health issues. Each unit provides opportunities for successful learning for special needs and at-risk students. |
Hamilton-WenhamNatalie Morrison
978-468-8445 |
Hamilton-Wenham High School
Grade Level: High School Inclusion: Teaching Diversity Through an Interdisciplinary, Bilingual, Thematic Approach to History, World Languages, and Enghlish Language Arts Grades 10-12 teachers are taking content from the World Languages, Social Studies, English Language Arts, and Arts Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks and integrating them using an interdisciplinary, bilingual, thematic approach. Both teachers and students are using a variety of instructional technologies and methodologies (ie. Internet, multimedia programs, scanners, projectors) to successfully implement this project. All students have access to and benefit from this project which is purposefully designed to incorporate students' different learning styles through differentiated and multi-tasked activities. |
HollistonKathleen Dooley
|
Holliston Elementary School
Grade Level: Elementary Reading and Writing Go Hand in Hand Carefully selected reading programs integrated into the Language Arts Curriculum address the individual needs of students, including those at-risk, those in regular education, and gifted readers. Students read independently, receive instruction to reinforce phonics, listen to stories and read along with a narrator, and even record themselves reading the text for playback and study. For an application for free Wiggleworks training and software, please use the contact information below. |
HolyokeJoseph Kingsley
413-534-2020 |
Grade Level: 7-12
Multidisciplinary Project -- Composition-Arts-Technology (MUD-CAT) Students in grades 9-12 write and produce a virtual reality tour and CD ROM of Holyoke High School. They learn to work cooperatively to complete the various tasks involved in the project. The use of the technology to create a visual experience emphasizes the importance of good writing skills in order to verbalize, accurately and effectively, the virtual tour they are constructing. |
HudsonArthur H. Camins
|
Grade Level: Elementary
Mobile Inquiry Technology Lighthouse The Mobile Inquiry Technology (MIT) project developed a new technology model for the elementary and middle school levels using laptop computers and scientific computer-based probes. In addition, a set of twenty-five multi-lesson web-based activities to enhance standards-based mathematics and science learning in grades 4-6 were created to utilize the new technology model. |
IpswichAmy Gregory
978-356-5506 x104 |
Grade Level: Elementary
Sally Mander Meets Vern L. Pool Fifth grade students conduct a study of vernal pools in their community. Students use computers, digital cameras, and video equipment to organize and publish comparative data, prepare and present findings, and design informative brochures and reports. Research is conducted online and organisms are identified using microscopes and software. Students work towards the real life objective of certifying the vernal pool for protection and preservation through the local Conservation Commission. |
LowellSharon A. Clark
603-595-4697 |
Butler School
Grade Level: Middle Music + Academics = Higher Student Success Projects connect music with other curriculum areas and technology. The technology makes it possible to use personal strengths in meaningful ways and to bridge into understanding sometimes difficult abstractions. Using technology in music improves achievement and provides access to the creative process for bilingual, ESL and Special Education students. |
LowellJoan Mularz
978-937-8973 |
Butler School
Grade Level: Middle Butler Youth Leader Program Approximately 280 7th and 8th grade students identify community needs and form 45-65 service teams to help meet those needs. The teams utilize Internet and Intranet capabilities, as well as wordprocessing skills to produce research reports. They also produce multimedia video infomercials with computer digital video editing in order to educate the larger community about the needs they have identified. |
LowellMarcie Quinlan
978-937-7662 |
Morey School
Grade Level: Elementary Tying Strands through Literature and Technology Using a multicultural thematic unit that integrates cultures representative of the school, students of varying learning abilities work cooperatively and incorporate technology to research and present their work. Focusing on small group and low teacher to student ratios, students use technology to create hands-on inquiry based projects. A team teaching approach and flexible scheduling assist in the grouping of students to work on chosen activities. |
LynnRoy E. Young
781-595-4798 |
Lynn Woods School
Grade Level: Elementary Continent to Continent: The Internet Shrinks The World Fifth grade students studying Australia videoconference with Australian students who are studying the Boston area. Lessons that align to the frameworks become more engaging as the students learn first hand about Autralia's unusual animals for science, and the distance in leaps and bounds of a kangaroo for math. E-mails with Australian students inspire writing and Australian folk tales are read and illustrated by the students using digital imaging. |
LynnChristine McCarriston
781-477-7471 |
Washington Community Magnet School
Grade Level: Elementary A Technological Drive Through My Community Third grade students use CD ROM encyclopedias and limited Internet sites to research and produce, with wordprocessing software, reports on famous people from Lynn. Using Microsoft Outlook, students e-mail city officials to learn more about their local government. Students take pride in their ability to use the CD ROMs without assistance and are eager to begin new research projects. Classwork, reading ability, and reference skills of the majority of students have improved as a result of the project. |
LynnDonna Giangregorio
781-593-1680 x119 |
Drewicz Elementary School
Grade Level: Elementary Lynn Public Schools: Buddy-Up Playstations with audio and video CDs strengthen the language skills of LEP and ESL students. Playstations are sent home to be used with parents. Deployment of the playstations occurs in September. A parent is invited in to speak with the teacher on the use and educational value of the program and leaves with written instructions provided in their own language. By encouraging family involvement, parents often learn in conjunction with their child. Later in the year, laptops will also be available to children for home use on assigned projects. |
LynnfieldPeter Manoogian
781-334-0015;
781-334-5830 |
Summer Street School
Grade Level: Elementary The Grade 3 Global Classroom A tech-savvy teacher in a classroom with (T1) Internet connectivity follows the pedagogy of content-based constructivism in which students construct and demonstrate knowledge as related to frameworks-based teacher-defined content. Students use the "real world" as an immediate resource of current information. The various software utilized enables individual creativity and different learning styles to be addressed, as well as organizational skills and the students' abilities to synthesize data. |
LynnfieldJames Kearns
781-334-5820;
781-334-7202 |
Grade Level: 7-12
The Calculator Based Mathematics Classroom Geometry classes use graphing calculators to explore properties of triangles, quadrilaterals, and other polygons. Data is collected and analyzed from student explorations of geometric concepts. Sudents then present this information to the class using the computer and overhead calculator. In calculus classes, calculators are used to explore the properties of a variety of functions. The Internet is used to download calculator based labs and computers add power for more complex analysis and for printing reports. |
MaldenThong Phamduy
|
Malden High School
Grade Level: High School Malden Youth Tech Entrepreneurs (Malden YTE) Last year Malden High School became the pilot site of the YTE program. This innovative program prepares high school students for leadership and further education by helping them develop computer enterprises that serve their schools and communities. The goals of YTE are: to build students' academic, business, and technology skills, especially students who are from groups underrepresented in the field of technology; to provide cost-effective, student-run computer services to schools and communities; and, to help students become technology leaders at every school in Massachusetts.
|
MedfieldRichard DeSorgher
508-359-4367 x3011 |
Medfield High School
Grade Level: High School Distance Learning: Virtual Visits Students utilize a unique combination of technologies in order to have access to persons in state government. On a specified day, Massachusetts government officials meet in a room at the State House equipped with a computer, CU/SeeMe technology and Internet access. Medfield students gather in a lab at the high school equipped with the same technology and converse with the officials about government-related issues they research in advance. |
MiltonLeslee Haines
617-696-4572 |
Collicot Elementary School
Grade Level: Elementary Creating a Database in the Third Grade Classroom Students research the fifty states and create a database to organize their information. Working in cooperative groups, students propose ideas for database fields based on one state. The class then determines the final list of fields and tests them by using information from a new state. After several revisions, the database fields and questions are approved by consensus and appropriate graphics chosen before each child enters their individual researched information into the completed database. |
Mohawk TrailAlyson Patch
413-628-4404 |
Sanderson Academy
Grade Level: K-6 Kid Pix is More Than Just a Pretty Picture A fifth grade class works with a second grade class to create a slide show about the Solar System. An older student is paired with a younger student to collaborate on the creation of one or two slides for the group's presentation. The older students act as mentors in teaching the younger students how to use the software. After researching their topic together, and planning their layout, the pair collaborate on the slides. |
New Salem-WendellCarol S. Holzberg, PhD
413-259-1303 |
Swift River School
Grade Level: Elementary It's a Small World After All: Spanish Language Instruction at Swift River Language learning is personalized through exciting science, math, social studies, visual art, and technology activities that expand communication opportunities and develop Spanish appreciation by making the context culturally meaningful. Students use the Internet to study, collect data, and graph comparisons of weather patterns. They learn about the geography and climate of Mexico and Puerto Rico and exchange e-mail with Puerto Rican students in Spanish. |
New Salem-WendellCarol S. Holzberg, PhD
413-259-1303 |
Swift River School
Grade Level: Elementary Celebrating Diversity in Turkey: The Land Where East Meets West This project expands current school-wide "Celebrating Diversity" investigations of peoples and cultures around the world with an in-depth study of Turkey. The program is an interdisciplinary study using a variety of technologies for inquiry-based, hands-on learning experiences. It integrates several learning standards and meshes with all seven state frameworks. Science, math, and language arts curriculums are enhanced with computer-based activities involving word-processing, charting CD ROM and Internet research, digital photographs, and e-mail exchanges. The program enables children and staff to experience cultural diversity of Turkish society firsthand. |
North AndoverRobert Cofer
978-794-1711 |
North Andover High School
Grade Level: High School North Andover Local Ecology Study (NALES Students investigate the local ecology and ecosystems through hands-on testing of soil and water samples, and observations of local flora and fauna. TI-83 graphing calculators, CBL systems, and graphical analysis programs are used throughout the science program to assist in the accuracy and expediency of testing and data collection. A database of information from the testing results, maintained across school years, enables students to note changes due to the seasons and the passage of time. |
North AttleboroughDavid R. Vito
508-643-2115 |
North Attleborough High School
Grade Level: High School An Ecological Study in the High Tech Age Students participate in hands-on, long-term science projects that are often located at sites outside of school. The use of digital cameras, computers, scanners, and color printers enables students to work in the field identifying, gathering, recording, and sorting data. Technology in the field and in the classroom increases students' abilities to store additional data, perform analysis, and present findings. Students have successfully completed a paleontology study of plant fossils and will soon team with the Massachusetts Audobon Society to complete an ecological study of a vernal pool near their town. |
North AttleboroughMichael Kovacevich
508-643-2130 X1128 |
Grade Level: Middle
Steppin' Up to Mental Health At risk early adolescents in grades 6-8, use multimedia computers, and web publishing tools to facilitate emotional growth amongst themselves and other adolescents over the Internet. The group members, known as CyberCygnets, tell their personal stories anonymously through autobiographies, portraits, pictures, and music. Emotional health and group social skills are derived from a student centered, real world group discussion process, stimulated by e-mail responses to their web pages, pertinent teen issues of the day, and community service. |
PeabodySusan Cassidy
978-531-1600 x534 |
Center School
Grade Level: Elementary The Last Great Race on Earth Project Grade two students participate in a database project that integrates math and history/geography topics. Using the Internet, students follow the Iditarod race across Alaska. Data on the geography, history, and mathematics of the race is collected. Mathematics and geographical information is stored in a database. E-mail enables the students to interact with the race participants and obtain more current information for the database. As a culmination activity, students complete a comparative presentation project. |
RockportCheryl B. Sullivan
978-546-3127 |
Rockport Elementary School
Grade Level: Elementary Master Mac Mentors Make Waves Fourth and fifth grade students become "licensed" as computer mentors by fulfilling an established set of criteria. They start by developing a knowledge base of computer terms and vocabulary, and a level of proficiency in frequently used software programs across all content areas. As they become experienced and confident, they perform routine computer maintenance such as cleaning, ink cartridge replacement, and software installation. Their duties as computer mentors enable students to meet learning standards in the Language Arts, History & Social Science, and Science and Technology Frameworks. |
ShrewsburyRobert Cornacchioli
508-841-8820 |
Grade Level: K-12
Designing, Assessing and Tracking Student and Teacher Technology Competencies Building upon the success of a variety of well-established programs for technology integration in grades K-12, the district has developed a plan for identifying technology competencies. Projects through which the technology competencies are being developed include a fifth grade interdisciplinary geography unit where students excavate "planted" artifacts to research and present. Middle School students take a scheduled nine week skills-based unit on the use of word processing, spreadsheets, databases, and desktop publishing. Students in the high school journalism class use various kinds of hardware and software to produce school newspapers and web pages. |
ShutesburyCarol S. Holzberg, PhD
413-259-1303 |
Shutesbury Elementary School
Grade Level: Elementary Lighten Up! Color, Light, Optics, and Photography Kindergarten students, paired with fourth grade students in a buddy project, investigate the properties of color, light, optics, and vision through mentoring activities with their fourth grade buddies. Fourth grade students examine color, light, optics, vision, and photography through literature, writing, and exploration, and share their knowledge with their kindergarten partners. Technology enables the students to perform experiments, chart and interpret data, prepare written reports, research related topics, design light-related instruments, and take photographs with regular and digital cameras. |
SomervilleAlbert V. Pellecchia, Jr.
617-625-6600 x6463 |
West Somerville Neighborhood School
Grade Level: Middle Teaching Technology Education with Paxton/Patterson Modules Students explore modules which cover the five areas of technology: communication, transportation, construction, manufacturing, and biotechnology as defined in the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks. Each module system is a type of instructional delivery system that allows students to proceed through the hands-on learning activities at their own pace. These modular learning systems are designed to help students to develop problem solving skills, become independent thinkers, learn about daily effects of technology on their lives, become adaptable to the changing world around them, begin thinking about careers, and become lifelong learners. |
TritonMae Kelly
978-948-2520 |
Pine Grove School
Grade Level: Elementary Reading Counts! with an Electronic BookShelf Students in grades K-6 use a motivation/management program for reading. They choose a quality trade book from a database list of thousands of titles which offers a wide variety of authors, publishers, and reading levels. Students read the book at their own pace and respond to multiple-choice quiz questions on the computer when finished. Books and quizzes receive a ranking for difficulty level with both a norm referenced and adaptive score. Parent volunteers help support the program and fifth and sixth grade computer tutors mentor kindergarten and first grade students' bookshelf progress. |
TritonBarta Hathaway
978-462-8171 |
Triton Regional Junior/Senior High School
Grade Level: 7-12 Art, Communications, and Technology Students select a client from real businesses in the community, or other special events or projects within the school for which to design a logo, business card, and brochure. They work cooperatively to share ideas and role-play as art director, graphic designer, marketing person, and copy writer. Using current technology they can produce results that are exciting and professional which in turn provides motivation and gives them confidence as artists. |
WakefieldTerry Fuller
781-246-6440 |
Wakefield Memorial High School
Grade Level: High School Access for All: Digital Texts and Powerful Tools for Meeting Learning Standards An eleventh grade American History curriculum incorporates Universal Design for Learning and a digital form of a Social Studies textbook. Universal Design means that the supports necessary for the full range of students to meaningfully engage curricula are built into the materials from the beginning. Personnel from CAST, Inc. worked with Wakefield teachers and students to develop and refine the necessary elements. |
WarehamPamela J. Schluter
508-291-3555 |
Minot Forest Elementary Accelerated School
Grade Level: Elementary Experiencing Social Studies: A Powerful Learning Project via the Internet Students in a rural area "travel" almost anywhere via the Internet. Purposeful research and reporting is done on social studies projects aligning with the Frameworks, that are sometimes published to the Internet for global viewing. Vehicles for these projects include Simulations, Hot Lists, Web Quests, Treasure Hunts, Scavenger Hunts, Jigsaw Activities, travel brochures, and a few other methods. |
WaylandDavid Summergrad
508-655-6670 |
Wayland Middle School
Grade Level: Middle Clear Math: Improving Algebra Performance for Students at Risk An innovative Algebra software program, under development at MIT, helps 8th grade students with the skills and concepts of Algebra. Using an artificial intelligence component to provide practice to students in areas where they have difficulty, the software "learns" about each of the students and tailors problems and practice sessions to their individual needs. In the first year of this pilot program, students improved in their ability to translate from contextual situations (i.e. word problems) into algebraic equations which they could solve. |
WellesleyKathy Brodeur
781-446-6210 x4519 |
Grade Level: Elementary
Building the Communication Skills of At-Risk Learners: Technology Based Curriculum Modifications Special education teachers work with classroom teachers and technology specialists to identify classroom activities in need of alternative strategies in order to reach at-risk students in grades 2 and 5. This collaborative approach helps teachers identify specific technology-based modifications that aid students with special needs during individual or small group pull outs and within the regular education classroom. Students use basic elementary classroom software and extend the use of specialized software such as Write Out Loud and Ultimate Reader to increase access to the curriculum. |
WestfordSandy Martinez
|
Blanchard Middle School
Grade Level: Middle Creating òOrder out of Chaos&0acute; - Web Site Pathways to Internet Research Seventh-grade students complete an inquiry-based research project within the Language Arts and Social Studies Curriculum Frameworks. Skills in information literacy are taught prior to beginning the project, as well as search strategies and the selection of appropriate sources for different resource needs. In addition school web site, with over forty linked pages, serves as a pathway to assist students in locating appropriate Internet resources for research. The web site enables students to research more effectively and in turn opens up the availability of computers in an environment where there is a limited computer to student ratio. |
WestfordAnne Marie Marcella
978-692-5580 |
Abbot School
Grade Level: Elementary &0grave;Mesopotamia to Massachusetts... Comparing Civilizations, Past & Present&0acute; Fourth grade classes use computers as tools to find, sort, evaluate, and present information aligning to the History and Social Studies Curriculum Frameworks. An Ancient Civilizations Web Theme Page developed by the teachers, incorporates the Internet in the classrooms list of resources. Students use the page to link to related Internet sites and answer essential questions by comparing such things as education, architecture, technology, laws & rules, economy, and written communication to those of present day life. |
WestwoodBrendan Dillon
781-326-7500 x309 |
Westwood High School
Grade Level: High School Making History with Video Technology Groups of ninth graders at Westwood High School research a particular event, period, or person in world history prior to 1815. Then they write an original dramatic story that captures the essence of the period. The students work together to videotape their drama, applying narration, dialogue, and soundtrack. In addition to enhancing the history/social science frameworks, the project gives students experience in project management and video production techniques. |
WestwoodMary Brown
781-326-7500 x318, x319 |
Sheehan Elementary School
Grade Level: Elementary Learning Station Geometry At portable computer stations, small groups of fifth graders explore concepts in two-dimensional geometry by manipulating a Geo-Logo "turtle." Meanwhile others work at various hands-on stations involved in activities such as constructing polygons with toothpicks and marshmallows or making animal shapes with tangrams. Based on the "Investigations" Mathematics program developed at TERC, this innovative curriculum combines hands-on manipulatives with computer-based activities. The project will be disseminated to other teachers at workshops, as well as through a brochure and the Investigations Web site. |
WorcesterCarolyn Breault
508-799-3488 |
Gates Lane School of International Studies
Grade Level: Elementary Slide Shows R Us Elementary students of all ages, abilities, and grade levels create multimedia slide shows in a supportive lab environment. They learn to select relevant information, organize it, and use the technology to communicate their thoughts. Students come to the lab with an in depth understanding of their topic. The lab instruction is very guided to begin and then students are left to work at their own pace. Teachers find that students are constantly fine tuning the different aspects of their slides to communicate as much information as possible. |
WorcesterRicci Hall
508-799-3591 |
University Park Campus School
Grade Level: K-12 SPARCS (Students Participating and Acting to Reinforce Community Spirit) In this interdisciplinary project, students in grades 5-12 collaborate with adults in the community with the goal of improving a struggling Worcester neighborhood. After gathering information (socioeconomic, environmental, etc.), students document the data using a Geographic Information System (GIS) developed by Clark University. This software enables them to design maps that reflect their own perceptions of the community and their vision for its future. The project gives inner-city students a chance to act as decision-making members of society. With this data, students present neighborhood problems to city councilors with the intention of affecting positive change. |
WorcesterAnne Marie Dyer
508-799-3554 |
Tatnuck Magnet School
Grade Level: Middle Using Hyperstudio to Motivate Students in Science and Social Studies An accelerated sixth grade class uses Hyperstudio to create and present multimedia projects that address multiple learning standards in the Social Science and the Science and Technology frameworks. Students are given a set of requirements but may choose their own means of presenting the Hyperstudio stack and their own topic. The prospect of working on the computer motivates students to work hard on all aspects of the project in order to have an impressive presentation. |
WorcesterCamTu Pham
508-799-3476 |
Granite Street School
Grade Level: K-6 Down the CD-ROM Superhighway to Literacy and Science Excellence Students are linked with schools in the U.S. and in Vietnam to exchange student created projects and data, including digital photos and video, about climate, historical landmarks, the world of work, and schools, as well as personal stories about themselves. As a result, authentic instructional materials are developed and subject area knowledge is increased. The students have become scientists, anthropologists, and social scientists as their interests broaden and their communication skills improve. |
WorcesterDr. Deborah Sinkis
508-799-3584 |
McGrath Elementary School
Grade Level: Elementary World Chronicle: An Exploration of Scientific and Human Affairs through Technology Students in grades 4, 5, and 6 access a variety of technology tools to complete a formal research project that is based on the Social Science or Science and Technology frameworks. Teachers use common planning time to discuss implementation of the research project, its impact on students, and the benefits of expanding the program to other grades and classrooms, including behavior disordered classrooms and those receiving special education support. Teachers address specific learning areas in the use of hardware and software. |
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