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 Field
Testing, Gr. 3-5
CAISL, Portugal
During
early December 2006, shortly after the ZOOM Pre-Conference program
in Cairo, we applied to the Overseas Council of American Schools (OSAC)
for a grant to extend ZOOM into MAIS school grades 3, 4, 5, and
transitional 6. The 2007-2008 project is called ZOOM/2. During
March of 2007 we were notified that ZOOM/2 was funded. |
Although many of the instructors associated with ZOOM had prior
experiences using digital microscopy with elementary school
children, we deemed it judicious to field test ZOOM/2 in a MAIS
school with MAIS students and teachers. The field test would serve
as a precursor to our MAIS ZOOM/2 Pre-Conference in Rome on November
1, 2007. Field testing with students and teacher who had no previous
experiences with digital microscopy would allow us to realign our
middle school ZOOM program to meet the needs and circumstances of
MAIS elementary school classrooms.
Tina Centurio, a 5th grade
elementary teacher and science specialist at the Carlucci American
International School of Lisbon (CAISL), Portugal and a Cairo ZOOM
participant, volunteered to serve as the trial center leader for
ZOOM/2. With the help of the CAISL technology staff and support of
Director Blannie Curtis, Tina’s classroom was outfitted with 6
DigiScopes linked to older model computers. Tina and her principal,
Katie Morris, arranged for multiple classes of grades 3, 4, and 5 to
participate in beginning level ZOOM/2 experiences. Tina was assisted
by Dr. Vickie Harry, ZOOM instructor from Clarion University of
Pennsylvania, and by Amy Mechling, consultant for School Science
Services, Inc. (SSS) of Clarion. Field test sessions took place on
May 8 and 9, 2007.
Live critters such as vinegar eels, Daphnia, Planaria, and various
Protozoans from hay infusions were supplied by Dr. Harry, Tina
Centurio, and SSS. The students learned how to use DigiScopes, work
cooperatively in groups of 2 to 6, make wet mount slides, and
observe, describe, record, and discuss what they saw—with much
enthusiasm!
All the instructors were impressed by how quickly the children
learned to manipulate the DigiScopes and software, particularly when
none had ever used them before. Students became very adept at using
these technological tools in a remarkably short period of time.
Curiosity and enthusiasm reigned! Children wanted to see more, do
more, and know more. They readily shared their discoveries with
classmates and teachers. Listening to their comments, there were
lots of exclamations of “Wow, Cool, Amazing, Gross, etc.” Ms.
Centurio was very busy responding to multiple demands of “Ms.
Centurio, you have to see this!”
Our post-analysis of the CAISL field-testing experiences was very
positive overall. But we also gained considerable insight into
future recommendations for elementary teachers. Here are several of
the things we learned. First, the technology has to work. In several
instances the old computers didn’t mesh well with the Motic
software. When several computers went down, we had to combine too
many children, 5 and 6 in a group when 3 would have been better.
There were too many hands on the DigiScopes and too little attention
by kids on the periphery of the large groups. Second, children have
to be taught how to make wet mount slides. Almost all used too much
water resulting in wet microscope stages and sloshie slides. Third,
the children get so excited and enthused (which is good) that it is
difficult to get their attention back for new instructions or
teaching points (which is bad). They need signals and reminders to
help regain and focus their attention.
Following are photos of Tina Centurio’s field-testing of ZOOM/2 with
3, 4, and 5 grades in Carlucci American International School of
Lisbon.
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Tina Centurio, the ZOOM/2 Field-Test Leader at CAISL, gives initial
instructions for using the DigiScope. |
Fifth graders work at bringing specimens into view. |
Here is what they see on the computer screen. |
It doesn’t take long to get the specimen in focus.
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Field Testing, Gr. 3-5, CAISL, Portugal - Page 2 ->
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