Images on the Web - Flickr

Here is a link of my Flicker photostream.   Flickr

This week’s assignment entailed Images on the Web and specifically using Flickr.  Flickr is a photosharing Web 2.0 App.  Flickr offers free accounts with one terabyte storage capacity.  That means you can upload over 500,000 pictures to your photostream to share and use in your classroom.

Capitalizing on Multimedia in the classroom can provide graphic representations of several concepts of learning that may seem abstract or difficult for students to comprehend. This will stimulate visual literacy for struggling readers.  Providing visual imagery can help strengthen a students ability to recall learned information.  Images can also assist students with real-world applications and self to text connections.

For this assignment, I uploaded pictures to my Flickr account that were obtained from the National Geographic Website.   Patterns in Nature:  Animals

I have used this series of pictures twice in my classroom so far.  Last year, I used this slideshow of pictures as a GUESS WHO OR WHAT GAME for the anticipatory set (hook) of a math lesson on patterns. This year, the second time, I used this slide show was for a class discussion on animal adaptations.  It sparked a great deal of inquiry-based dialogue in regards to how animals survive.  I was able to incorporate several of our key terms and vocabulary during this discussion as well.  (EX:  camouflage, mimicry, instinct, etc.)  My students were highly engaged both times.  In the immediate future, I may try to use the pictures again for a Social Studies lesson possibly when reviewing the map skills unit using the pin location feature on the Flickr account.

Here are the VA Standards of Learning Objectives that were linked to the lesson plan and these photos.

Science – VA SOL 3.04 – Animal Adaptations - The student will investigate and understand that adaptations allow animals to satisfy life needs and respond to the environment.

Math – VA SOL 3.19 – Patterns - The student will recognize and describe a variety of patterns formed using numbers, tables, and pictures, and extend the patterns, using the same or different forms.

Social Studies - VA 3.06 - Map Skills - The student will read and construct maps, tables, graphs, and/or charts.

Here are the NC standards I found that are similar to the VA objectives I used for the lessons described above.

Science – NCCOS Grade 4 1.02 - Goal 1: The learner will make observations and conduct investigations to build an understanding of animal behavior and adaptation.

Objective 1.02. Observe and record how animals of the same kind differ in some of their characteristics and discuss possible advantages and disadvantages of this variation.

Math - Grade 2 Goal 5: Algebra - The learner will recognize and represent patterns and simple mathematical relationships.  Objective 5.01: Identify, describe, translate, and extend repeating and growing patterns.

Social Studies Grade 1 - 1.G.1 Use geographic representations, terms and technologies to process information from a spatial perspective. 1.G.1.1 Use geographic tools to identify characteristics of various landforms and bodies of water. 1.G.1.2 Give examples showing location of places.

Grade 2 - 2.G.1 Use geographic representations, terms and technology to process information from a spatial perspective. 2.G.1.1 Interpret maps of the school and community that contain symbols, legends and cardinal directions. 2.G.1.2 Interpret the meaning of symbols.

Don't forget the cliche'... A picture is worth 1,000 words!  Use pictures in your lessons as much as possible!