TrackStar is super easy to use. I think it'll come in handy during a lab. I can guide students to background info, videos of proper technique, and then slam them with the actual lab.
I did two TrackStars, I didn't realize it had to be about my content area. The first is about oceanography and gyres, the second is about my experience in Chile.
Oceanography
Chile
The WebQuest links that worked were very informative. I especially liked the Cyberbee. I didn't realize that nearly everything on the web is copyrighted. While I understand and respect the laws, I think that they hinder creativity.
The copyright laws in Chile were very relaxed/nonexistent. For that reason, many music/movie websites did not work in Chile. I was able to bring big books to the print shops and have them copied for a few dollars. There were internet cafes with names written in the 'Facebook' font. Auto mechanics painted car logos on their garages. All of this was definitely done without permission. I don't think it adversely affected anything about their society. In fact, there was a lot more street art, which I personally was a fan of. I think more relaxed copyright laws would breed more creativity, unfortunately it would be difficult for companies to profit off of their art. Is that such a bad thing? Does Justin Timberlake need to make $23 million dollars a year to sing and dance?
I like both of your Trackstars, especially the oceanography one. I have never heard about The Great Shoe Spill of 1990, so it was definitely interesting to read about. I really like the worksheet at the end, too. It's a great way to test the kids after to make sure they understood the concepts. Good job.
ReplyDeleteI found it very interesting that you started with Wikipedia in your Oceanography TrackStar. I know your opinion is that Wikipedia is a great starting source, if utilized correctly, so it's inclusion is supportive of your view. Personally, I see nothing wrong with using it as an introduction; you definitely have many other varied sources to supplement the TrackStar.
ReplyDeleteI also liked how there was a progression in your questions. It went from a general overview of the Great Shoe Spill to hook the student, to a lesson about gyres. The worksheet at the end appears to add to the activity, instead of being used as 'fun' or 'busy work'.