Gateway to the World: The Port of Los Angeles

Objective: Fifth grade students will learn about the history and function of the Port of Los Angeles. They will investigate the impact the port has on the local environment and international trade as it relates to the local economy.

Rationale: The students are going on a boat tour of the harbor. They will use this as an opportunity to expand what they know about the port's history and the role it plays in sustaining our local economy.

Motivation: Although the port is relatively close to them, very few students have actually visited or toured the harbor. They will get to see first hand where many of the goods they buy in the local malls come from and the different species of animals that make their homes in the harbor.

Lesson: Each class will be loaned 2 to 3 digital cameras. The students will be given an opportunity to take pictures of different points of interest and local widlife as they go on their tour. Prior to the trip, each student will be asked to choose a specific topic or theme as their focus . They will use these pictures to create a podcast, a digital storybook, or an interactive slideshow about the Port of Los Angeles. Each student will choose the format (slideshow,podcast) they will use to present their topic. During their weekly visit to the Technology Center, the students will prepare their products. The final products will be presented to selected third and fourth grade classes as a means of helping them learn more about the port.