School: Our Redeemer Lutheran
    Aquebogue, New York, United States of America

7 students, ages 10-11 worked together to complete this CyberFair project on March 15, 2012. They have participated in CyberFair in the following year(s): less than one year

Classes and Teachers: Beth Diodato

E-Mail contact:

Our School's Web Site: http://www.ourredeemerlutheranli.org

1. Description of Our Community

Aquebogue, New York: a rural, diverse community on the North Fork of Long Island.

2. Summary of Our Project

We will research Non-Indigenous 'Invasive' Species on Long Island and throughout the United States and their impact on the environments they are introduced into worldwide. The students became true 'Stewards of the Environment', urging friends and neighbors to recycle and become more environmentally aware!

3. Our Computer and Internet Access

A. Percentage of students using the Internet at home:more than 50%

B. Number of workstations with Internet access in the classroom:1

C. Connection speed used in the classroom:dedicated connection

D. Number of years our classroom has been connected to the Internet:more than 6

E. Additional comments concerning your computer and/or Internet access (Optional):

Our school has very limited resources available. We do not have formal computer instruction classes. Therefore, the student's knowledge of web design software is minimal at best.

4. Problems We Had To Overcome

We have limited technological skills and background, along with limited financial resources. By approaching all tasks as a new learning opportunity, the students were able to face the many challenges associated with this project with interest, curiosity, and a high level of motivation.

5. Our Project Sound Bite

Being part of an international competition has raised the student's interest in and enthusiasm for becoming global citizens, as well as protecting our environment.

6. How did your activities and research for this CyberFair Project support standards, required coursework and curriculum standards?

The activities involved for this project satisfied Math, Science, and Technology objectives and English Language Arts objectives for the school, local, and state municipalities. The children had to work with weights and measures and website creation. They developed research and writing skills for the website creation. They also developed interpersonal skills while sharing this project with the larger school population, their families, friends, and communities.

1) What information tools & technologies did you used to complete your CyberFair project?

2 Pcs, 6 Mac computers; video and digital still cameras; books and magazines; newspapers. The students are beginners at website creation and were unable to integrate the video and still photo images onto their website.

2) In what ways did you act as "ambassadors" and spokespersons for your CyberFair project both on-line and in person.

The students were able to feel 'globally connected' to other students and schools around the world. The students brought their project to the student body, faculty, friends, and community, encouraging their involvement in recycling programs. The students participated this year in a grant, requiring them to hold weekly club meetings. Their club, the 'Environmental Awareness and Recycling Club' recycles paper throughout the building's classrooms and offices. The students also transform discarded Christmas trees into walking sticks and canes. They cut off the branches, strip the bark, sand, stain, and varnish the trunks. A compass is inserted into the top and the transformation is complete, thus taking a 'trash' item and turning it into a beautiful, functional walking stick or cane.

3) What has been the impact of your project on your community?

Our project has created much interest in our community. Our website has not been up long enough to assess its impact on local and world communities, but we are confident that, through our site, anyone will be able to see the need for 'awareness' and 'stewardship' of our local and worldwide environments. The positive impact on parents and others has been described previously. Parents have commented positively on the changes they see in their children with regards to recycling and environmental awareness.

4) How did your project involve other members of your community as helpers and volunteers?

Thanks to the technological support from Amy; the Christmas tree idea from Richard; help with the recycling club and projects from Jim.