In groups of four or five, students will research a volcano of their choice. Students will gather information from various sources, such as the internet. Materials may also be obtained from their school library as well as Washington County libraries. Their research will include basic facts and knowledge surrounding their volcanic topic. But this project goes beyond knowledge-based learning and asks students to evaluate and synthesize information compiled from their research. Groups will create a mock-interview with their volcano or earthquake by constructing questions and responding to them with appropriate answers.

As a group, students will create a script of their interviews with famous volcanoes of the world. Once they have created, revised, edited, and practiced their scripts groups can begin creating their podcasts using digital audio recorders. When using the recorders, students do not have to be conscious of carrying out the podcast in a specific order. They will be able to edit their podcasts using GarageBand on Apple laptops that I will borrow form the College of Education’s computer lab at Pacific University. Before students begin editing their audio recordings I will present the class with a mini-lesson on the basic functions of GarageBand. If groups have specific concerns or would like help with special program abilities I will address those concerns with those specific groups.                

This podcast activity will familiarize students with the social and geological impact volcanoes had and are continuing to have in many countries, including our own. Students in the Northwest are lucky enough to have the Cascade Range in their backyard. The Cascade Range contains several volcanoes, and though most are dormant they may not stay that way forever. Mount St. Helens is still an active volcano, and it is quite possible that students will see the mountain erupt in their lifetime. Volcanic activity can also cause earthquakes. Students practice for earthquake drills in schools, and it would be beneficial to let them explore the “whys” and “hows” of earthquakes. Evaluating and analyzing how earthquakes effect their community will help them understand why preparing for earthquakes is important and potentially life-saving. This podcasting activity also addresses Oregon’s science benchmarks SC.05.ES.03 (identifying causes of Earth surface changes) and SC.05.ES.03.02 (identifying effects of rapid changes on Earth's surface features, including earthquakes and volcanoes).

My fourth grade classroom includes a diverse group of 28 students. There are six students who receive ELL support, including one student who only speaks a native dialect of Mexico. Two students in the class go to the school’s Education Resource Center for extra instruction and support. Although the school is not a Title I school, there are some students who do not have the luxury of using technology inside or outside of the classroom. Technology is becoming increasingly important in our society. If schools are responsible for preparing the next generation to thrive in the global community, technology must be included in their education.

Podcasting is one way to integrate technology education into the curriculum. Creating podcasts will introduce students to another form of presenting and synthesizing information. When people in the adult world want to find information they have more than one source for research. The real world’s resources of knowledge are not limited to the written word. Some people obtain information specifically from written documents, but most people draw from the radio or television. Podcasting is one way to allow students to experience the method of creating understanding in a radio-like method. Students should have the opportunity to experience and create with different mediums of presenting information.