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My Square Meter

James Walker
Jackson Memorial Middle School, Massillon, Ohio

Subject: Science
Grade: 7

"The utilization of photography as a means of 'freezing a moment in time' for extended reflection and study is a unique experience in our curriculum."

Purpose and Description of Project

This project utilized a very flexible outdoor activity to encourage more careful observation of the natural environment. Students investigated, photographed, and cataloged discoveries in a square meter of undeveloped land near the school. James Walker placed emphasis on the students' investigative study of their areas rather than on simply identifying specimens. In addition, Walker aimed to apply classroom learning techniques outdoors, to utilize photography as an educational tool, and to develop organizational and technical writing skills.

Activities

Initially students were given an overview of the project and instructions on assembling specimen kits. They were then given outdoor activity sheets and soil and rock study sheets.

Each student selected one square meter and marked it off unobtrusively. There they spent several class periods collecting and/or photographing soil samples, rock specimens, small plant specimens. They also photographed each other at their sites.

Outdoor activities were alternated with classroom lab sessions, during which students analyzed soil samples, conducted soil pH tests, scratch-tested and analyzed rocks, described and photographed their plant and animal specimens, shared experiences, and examined supplemental classroom specimens.

The culmination of the project was the reports prepared by the students after a lecture on ecosystems. The reports contained a general description of the square meter; completed soil, rock, plant, and animal study sheets with photos; and analysis of the square meter's basic ecology; and a bibliography of the references used.

Materials, Resources, and Expenses

Walker acknowledged the support of his principal and many of his colleagues (some of whom also successfully completed his project), and particularly the efforts of a fellow science teacher who acquired and developed the land lab area for outdoor activities.

Students supplied their own specimen kits with one meter of string, small wooden markers, envelopes, plastic bags, ruler, spoon, scissors, and a shoebox for the kit and specimens. The school provided a 35 mm camera , copy stand, bulk-loaded black-and-white film , supplies for photo developing and printing, hand lenses for studying specimens, and soil testing kits. Walker himself supplied the study sheets, rock and wildflower comparison specimens, a grid card for photographing specimens, and numerous written resources. He also developed and printed all the photos for the class of 25 in the school darkroom.

Outcomes and Adaptability

Walker characterizes the project as "one of the most memorable events of our year." As students prepared their reports, they strengthened their skills in metric measurement, critical observation, data organization, and independent study. The creative freedom they were given and the excitement of outdoor activities served to motivate their work, as did the use of photography as an educational rather than a recreational tool. The students manifested concern and even empathy toward their little "world," but faced a difficult struggle in conceptualizing an ecosystem. Walker says, "At this point in their development it is felt that the struggle itself is outcome enough." Walker found that most students met all the stated objectives that the apparently complex project went smoothly and presented no serious problems.

Walker finds this activity "extraordinarily adaptable" to diverse classroom situations, financial structures, and subject areas. It has already been implemented by some of his colleagues. Various section could be readily added, deleted, or modified in response to student abilities. The use of photography indoors and out helps eliminate weather as a factor, and in fact, allows the project to serve as a supplementary activity throughout the school year.

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