Cynthia Mann Elementary Success Story
Technology Integration in Action!
The 2000 States Fair
Cynthia Mann Elementary School
Boise, Idaho
Students participating in the Cynthia Mann Elementary School States Fair dressed as state representatives and used their technology skills to share information with parents and guests.
In March 2000, the fifth grade students from Cynthia Mann Elementary School in Boise, Idaho, put their technology skills to work in the annual States Fair. Similar to a school science fair, the States Fair gives students a chance to show off their projects to parents, community members, and other fellow students while demonstrating technology integration in action. The theme of the fair was "Job Expo."
Students used online resources to gather information on one of the 50 United States and then developed an exhibition geared toward attracting new business, residents, and tourists to that state. Students used spreadsheets to create charts and graphs that adorned promotional posters. Desktop publishing software helped them produce business cards and brochures. Many employed multimedia programs to generate comprehensive presentations on their state.
The presentations were compiled onto a CD-ROM for parents and guests to purchase, turning the event into a fundraiser as well. Students even dressed up as famous state residents and shared regional food dishes. As parents and other guests explored the fair, they stopped at each booth to gather information on the state's government, climate, geography, industry, famous attractions, and more. Each state "specialist" shared his or her knowledge as participants took notes for balloting.
Prizes were awarded for the Best Display, Best PowerPoint Presentation, Most Knowledgeable, and Best Brochure. Not only was the States Fair a fun and creative event, it also helped students enhance their skills across virtually all curricular areas, including geography, history, social studies, English, art, math, speech, and technology. Some of them even gained new skills in cooking and sewing!
From FutureKids
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Beyond the basics, students will need 21st century competencies to survive and thrive in the future. They will have to know how to think critically, apply knowledge to new situations, analyze information, understand new ideas, communicate effectively, collaborate, solve problems, and make decisions. School districts are looking for ways to help students acquire these new skills while they also address NCLB mandates.
This 21st Century Connections site links students, teachers and administrators to the latest resources, creative tools and educational leaders behind digital learning. Provided by Lenovo, Adobe, Intel and Futurekids, the site is hosted by Technology & Learning, NewBay Media.
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