Pacific University PT3 Grant Application

Megan Worsley MAT Student Pacific University PT3 Grant Application Top Story: The Dynamic European Union

I am applying for the PT3 grant and, if received, will purchase a digital camcorder. The camcorder will enhance learning for a 6th grade project at Mountain View Middle School. The final project will be a media presentation compilation of student research on the European Union (EU). I am teaching a unit on Western Europe for my work sample and have collaborated with my Social Studies and Language Arts mentor teachers about putting this project together. Both mentor teachers have given me full support. The project summary and implementation is described in detail as follows: Project Description: Students will be taught the background knowledge of the European Union and its functions. Students will then be divided into teams which are representative of the 15 nations in the EU; Belgium, Germany, France, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Denmark, Ireland, the United Kingdom, Greece, Spain, Portugal, Austria, Finland, and Sweden. A hypothetical problem that stimulates higher- order thinking skills of analyzing, evaluating, synthesizing and comparing and contrasting will then be posed to students: Your broadcast media team consists of 2-3 people from a leading news station of your respective country, _x_. You have just received word from an inside source that Germany plans to announce its departure from the EU tomorrow at its weekly meeting. Your task is to research and report the following information: how will this affect the financial infrastructure of your country and the entire EU? What trade implications will this have? What cultural and geographic divisions will arise? How else does this affect your country? While conducting research for this project, you must also ensure the following information is disclosed about your country: Where is it located, what language is spoken, what is the population, what are the social norms? What are common goods traded and produced? What is the gross national product? How will Germany’s departure affect your country in other ways? Include more information if necessary.

Technology Implementation: Student teams from each country will then prepare a 3-5 minute media broadcast using the digital camcorder after doing this extensive research. They will be forced to include only the most pertinent information and synthesize it in a logical, creative manner. I will teach the class how to use I-movie, as the school has Macintosh computers with I-movie software in the classroom and technology lab. They will use this software to create and edit their broadcast. After the movies are created by each individual team, I will assist the class to combine the video clips to create one 60 minute broadcast. The class will then assess the projects of each media team and vote for “most informative”, “most creative,” “best overall story” and so on. Higher- Order Thinking: As the result of this project, students will use higher order thinking skills, cooperative learning skills, and (most importantly) demonstrate proficiency using technology in the classroom. The project meets a variety of Social Studies and Speaking Oregon State Benchmarks. The digital camcorder facilitates learning in this project, as students are able to exhibit skills in a new and exciting form. Outgoing students have the opportunity to shine in front of the camera, more reserved students can film or edit, and all are expected to conduct research for the final project. Students will be able to see how videos are created and edited. This project appeals to a students of all learning styles, as there are roles that will incorporate different strengths that will appeal to all students in one form or another. Equipment Possession: As the student teacher, primary grant applicant, and project, coordinator, I , Megan Worsley, expect to keep the camcorder in my possession after this project is completed. I would use it as appropriate in future projects during student teaching assignments and for other projects in my teaching career. I also would accept responsibility to present at the OTEN conference in Spring, 2004, in regards to the implementation and success of this project. Expense Budget: I am applying for the $500 grant to be used in the following manner: $449 Canon ZR60 mini DV digital camcorder $30 Samsonite camcorder case (recommended) $15 firewall cable I plan to purchase an excellent quality digital camcorder as noted above so that students will benefit from the latest technology and it will remain cutting edge for years to come. Most students at Mountain View do not have access to such technology and will benefit from this highly interactive, creative, and technological experience. My hope is that this project will spark student’s interest in technology so that they will implement its use throughout their educational career.