Integrating Instructional Technologies in a Local Watershed Investigation With Urban Elementary Learners

Abstract

The author describes an after-school science club program for urban 4th-grade students that integrated instructional technologies to investigate a pond ecosystem in the local schoolyard. The author conducted a design-based evaluation study to examine the effectiveness of the program in promoting environmental attitudes and understandings of the local watershed. Students used Web-based GIS maps and Google Earth visualizations to understand the geographic nature of their watershed. Results indicate that participation in the long-term pond investigation enhanced environmental attitudes, promoted a sense of environmental stewardship, and fostered responsible environmental behavior.

Keywords:

• instructional technologies
• schoolyard investigations
• urban elementary school
• watershed studies