MAT 100 Technology Module Performance Task 4th Grade Unit

1. Rainforests
Grade4
By: Luciana Fohsz

2. Technology Integration
• Rationale: Society today relies
heavily on technology, yet for
educators it may create a level of
uncertainty in classrooms.When
considering this teaching topic
and technology integration, the
goal was to create an engaging
learning experience. As a result
of this unit, students will realize
that there are so many useful
resources right at their fingertips.
Through the use of blogs,
podcasts, videos, apps and
websites, students will be
presented with the opportunity
to explore some of Earth’s richest
environments right from their
desks.

3. Internet Content
• There are a myriad of resources available on the Internet
that assist students in learning about educational topics
such as Rainforests.
• Each website and the information provided has been
checked for reliability and security.
• Links used for this PowerPoint are cited in the notes
section or directly on applicable slides.
• To access the hyperlinks, the PowerPoint must be in
presentation mode.The links can also be accessed by
copying and pasting each URL from the notes section.

4. Blog
Kids Saving the Rainforest
is a blog that shares the
efforts of children around
the world who are
determined to make a
difference.
• The articles and pictures
tell the fascinating stories
of what children are
doing to save the
rainforests and even
provide tips for how
others can help the Earth!

5. Internet Podcast
Amazon Rainforest Podcast introduces listeners to the
world of the Amazon Rainforest. Specifically, the podcast
discusses deforestation in terms of the processes
associated with destruction and alarming statistics of the
effects. It is time we realize that rainforests hold precious
resources that the world cannot survive without.

6. InstructionalVideo
• Tropical Rainforest Diversity is
an instructional video from
Khan Academy that shows
viewers the different plants,
animals and insects that
inhabit tropical rainforests
which are ecosystems rich in
energy.

7. Internet Resources
Mongabay is a website designed to specifically help
children learn in an easy and fun way about different
features of the rainforest from animals to people to
climate.
• Caltech is an interactive page that discusses where
rainforests are, the animals that live in each area and why
it is important to preserve the rainforests.
• National Geographic provides a virtual tour of the
rainforest at night which allows visitors to click on
different plants and animals that exist on each floor of the
rainforest.

8. Kidspiration

9. Teaching Materials
• To begin this unit on
rainforests, the teacher would
read this short story to explain
to students the importance of
protecting living things.
• The vivid images within the
book will capture student’s
attention and give them an
idea of what rainforests may
look like.

10. • To introduce the class to
the vocabulary associated
with rainforests, the
teacher could assign this
word search to the
students.
• As a related supplemental
activity, the teacher may
ask the students to define
each word using an online
dictionary.

11. • This reading comprehension
worksheet with questions
focuses on rainforest
ecosystems found near the
equator.
• Students would be able to
learn about parts of the
rainforest through reading
selection and answer
questions to test their
understanding.

12. Encyclopedia Britannica
Kids is an app that allows
users to explore the
rainforests found all over
the world and learn about
the plants, animals and
people that call the
rainforest their home.
• Students will be engaged
as they play different
games that highlight the
rainforest features.

13. Subject-Specific Internet Resource
• Through this website from
Scientific American students
will have the opportunity to
learn about the unfortunate
destruction of rainforest’s
around the world.
• Statistics and facts will show
at what rate destruction is
happening and the reasons
why the rainforests are being
destroyed.

14. Use of the Internet
• Online Reference Materials: Encyclopedia.com includes a
variety of pages on different topics.There is an
environmental studies category that highlights types of
forests and importance of each. Students will be able to
see how rainforests relate to other types of forests.
• Interactive Websites: World History is a website that will
allow users to learn about the history of different parts of
the world though maps, facts and charts. Student can
explore land facts of the rainforest and the culture of
people who inhabit rainforests.Through this website,
students will understand how the past has shaped the
present.

15. Web 2.0
First Class is a site that
makes communication and
collaboration easy through
class specific webpages.
• Teachers can get in touch
with students regarding
upcoming assignments and
tasks to ensure academic
success.

16. Slideshare
• This presentation can also be viewed using Slide Share
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