Podcasting Our Way Through Nature

Goals:

1. Students will learn to create podcasts.
2. Students from other classrooms will use podcasts to explore the nature trail.
3. Students will improve research skills.
4. Students will be able to identify plants found along the nature trail.

Directions:

1. Begin by taking an exploratory walk along the nature trail. Take digital pictures of interesting plants and landforms. Also write descriptions to go along with the digital pictures.
2. Use resources (field guides, encyclopedia, Internet) to research the items found on the nature trail. Assign each group of students one picture to research. Pick out key ideas that would be of interest to students. Be sure to include the name, evergreen or deciduous, adaptation plant has for survival in our environment, and any other interesting fact(s). If picture is of a landform, be sure to describe the landform and how it was formed.
3. Student groups will use the information to create a script about the picture. Be sure to give enough detail so that the student using the podcast will be able to find the plant/landform.
4. Record the scripts to create a podcast. This podcast will be used by other students to explore the nature trail.