Elephants: How Technology Can Be Used to Study Their World

3rd Grade UnitElisia AcostaSpring 2015

Technology Integration • Rationale: Elephants are a vital part of the global ecosystem,

but also an endangered species. In recent years, technology has developed to the point that there are more ways to learn about animals in their natural habitats than ever before. Blogs, live elephant zoo cams, animal documentaries, online organizations, podcasts, photos, and videos are examples of how technology can be used to give insight into elephants’ lives and enhance students’ learning about these animals in an educational unit.

Note on Internet Resources

• The sources used in this presentation were all investigated and confirmed to be reliable and educational for teaching purposes.

Internet Resources

• World Wildlife Fund (WWF)The WWF is a conservation organization that employs an innovative, technological approach to seeking solutions to the global degeneration of wildlife. This site is a reliable source of information on why elephants matter economically and how WWF works to help them.

Internet Resources

• Defenders of WildlifeThis prominent conservation organization seeks to protect animals in their natural habitat. This site features extensive information on elephants’ diet, reproduction, life expectancy, etc. An excellent source for student research.

Internet Resources• African Wildlife FoundationThis wildlife foundation features current statistics and economic statuses on many African species, including the African elephant. Students could use this resource for statistical information to be used in a report or brochure.

Internet Materials for TeachersElephant Word SearchStudents can practice their unit-themed vocab by completing this fun word search that can be used as a closing activity or to review.

Venn DiagramA classic way to make comparisons, students can use a Venn diagram to compare and contrast the characteristics of African and Asian elephants.

Internet Materials for Teachers

• Fact vs. Opinion Elephant Worksheet

Subject-Specific Internet Resource

• National Geographic EducationThis site contains a multitude of videos, photos, interactive activities, and games. There is even a special National Geographic site for kids!

Kidspiration Diagram

• Think Elephants International

• Click the link above to access this online blog!

Podcast

• Discover Wildlife Podcast

• Click the link above to listen to

the podcast!

Video

• All Things Animal Video

• Click on the link above to watch!

Uses of the InternetSan Diego Zoo

Encyclopedia Resource• The San Diego Zoo website offers videos, photos, and blogs on

elephants and other animals. The encyclopedia site offers an easy-to-navigate, organized resource for teachers and students. The first site can be used for visual supplements and info, and the second for research purposes.

Web 2.0

Elephant Pinterest Boards

Web 2.0Photo Peach

• Students can use this site to create slideshows with photos that can be shared easily with other students, parents, and teachers. This would be a valuable resource for a final project or presentation on the unit.

There’s an App for that!

• WWF Together

Slideshare

• This presentation can be accessed on Slideshare.