Teachers have been sinking milk cartons with marbles for years. But one of the difficult parts about teaching the principles of buoyancy is that it can be difficult to get real data without making the experiment too complicated for the students. An online simulation lets students conduct an experiment and get real data to see the relationship between the weight in the tub and the buoyancy force. This simulation in conjunction with hands-on experimentation makes for a powerful lesson. . These fifth-grade students are working in collaboration with third graders to improve their understanding of the environment.
Older students helping younger students with projects is an excellent use of collaboration.
It can be a source of self-esteem for the older students and helps both groups with communications skills. This is an excellent example of extending the resources available to you and your students by using the Web. Students could read books about birds, they could watch birds in their neighborhoods, and you could even have a guest speaker. But adding bird experts via e-mail brings new knowledge to the teacher, and a new experience to the students. These experts can add a level of interest for the students as the latter meet new people in new places and learn about how enthusiasm for a particular subject can lead to in-depth knowledge and a variety of career choices. .