CyberFair Project ID: 7950

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International Schools CyberFair Project Narrative
Title: Ocean Mission – Battle of the Sea
Category: 7. Environmental Awareness
URL: http://librarywork.taiwanschoolnet.org/gsh2015/gsh7950/index.htm
Bibliography: http://librarywork.taiwanschoolnet.org/gsh2015/gsh7950/A1.html

School: Taipei Municipal Changan Elementary School
    Taipei City, N/A - Does Not Apply, Taiwan

6 students, ages 10-11 worked together to complete this CyberFair project on February 24, 2015. They have participated in CyberFair in the following year(s): no

Classes and Teachers: Yung-huw Hsueh

E-Mail contact:

Our School's Web Site: http://www.caps.tp.edu.tw

Project Overview

1. Description of Our Community

Taipei Municipal Changan Elementary School is situated in the southern part of downtown Taipei City in Zhongshan District. The school is close to the business district and has convenient transportation options all around. For example, Songjiang-Nanjing MRT Station and Jilin-Nanjing Bus Station are right around the corner. To get to Taiwan’s northernmost part, Fugui Cap Lighthouse, Yehliu, and Laomei Green Reef, you can travel by car. You can do so by traveling down Jilin Road, turning onto Xinsheng S. Road and then onto the Xinsheng S. Road Gateway that will bring you to the Viaduct of Civic Blvd. Then, you will take the Huanhe S. Road exit to connect to the Chau-mei Expressway from the Provincial Highway No. 1. Alternatively, you can also take the Chung-Shan Freeway or the Formosa Freeway to get there. The journey takes about an hour.

2. Summary of Our Project

Today’s world is very much concerned with environmental issues, so we wanted to learn about how the ocean environment was effected by pollution. People involved are diving expert Mr. Jun-hao Chen, Dr. Te-chin Chen from Yehliu Ocean Park, Mr. Chieh-shen Hu from the Society of Wilderness, Ms. Tzu-jung Chen from then Taiwan Environmental Information Association, and the volunteers of coastal cleanup. All of these people are committed to the protection of marine life. While we were there we found a lot of pollution, especially from human littering. We saw an immense amount of plastic, items left by the effects of typhoons, and objects from mismanaged seaside landfills. If people continue to ignore such an issue, then the ocean pollution will become even more serious. Pollution has a huge impact on the environment and marine life is at risk. However, we hope that our research can help bring attention to marine conservation!

3. Our Computer and Internet Access

A. Percentage of students using the Internet at home:21-50%

B. Number of workstations with Internet access in the classroom:more than 6

C. Connection speed used in the classroom:dial-up modem

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):

A. Percentage of students using the Internet at home:more than 30% B. Number of workstations with Internet access in the classroom:more than 8 C. Connection speed used in the classroom:dial-up modem D. Number of years our classroom has been connected to the Internet:more than 6

4. Problems We Had To Overcome

Time and Efficiency From September to October we were extremely busy setting the title, starting questionnaires, creating interviews, and completing records. In result we ran into a lot of problems. Time wasn’t necessarily the problem, but the content was what slowed us down. It’s quite a difficult concept to understand, so we spent a lot of time on it. We did so by focusing on each problem step by step. This way, with a lot of patience, we were able to complete our work as efficiently and properly as possible. With positive encouragement from everyone and with with the teacher’s help, we were able to make progress everyday. Teamwork During group meetings we would divide labor up based off of people’s expertise. Sometimes unexpected situations arose and we were forced to change people’s jobs accordingly in order to continue being successful. For example, a student could integrate an idea, create an web page, design a game program, and then teach it to his/her classmates. As a class we were able to work together to solve problems all while enjoying each others company! Because of this our team was successful.

Data Compilation Each interview we conducted was followed by a rather lengthy process. This process included, a protocol, interview tips, and other elements that go into interviews. When we finished the questionnaire we had to provide a statistical analysis and understand the results from the investigation. This was the most annoying part of our research process because it required a lot of text narrations, article archives, and comprehension analyses from the students. This process is a bit difficult! While some students excel in their ability to write and/or use technology, some do not and this work can be more strenuous for them. However, we were all still able to learn a lot from this experience!

5. Our Project Sound Bite

During our research, we experienced coastal cleanup activities fist hand. We were also able to complete a lot of interviews and questionnaires. Both of these made the experience rich and wonderful. After doing this research we are able to know more about the status of marine debris. Coastal cleanup is very important and we must have a greater understanding of the ocean. Decreasing the amount we pollute into the ocean is actually very simple! For example, we can stop drinking from plastic bottles and use less plastic bags. These habits can only be helpful to our environment. As a society this will be a huge challenge and prove to be difficult. If a thing is worth doing, it is worth doing it well. So, “big solidarity” , as long as we can work together, then we can work through these difficulties smoothly! From our research we have learned that the spirit of unity and cooperation goes a long way. Finally, we were able to receive a lot of knowledge and this is the greatest achievement …

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

Mandarin Each meeting we summarize our ideas and work assignments. We have to sort out the questionnaire records, access experience, personal profiles, and relevant research data. We also conducted a questionnaire survey to people and their understanding of our project, so it’s important we pay close attention to the use of language! Mandarin textbooks, that hold the content in which we are studying, were used. Also, the use of language was also provided on our web page. Mathematics We needed to complete the interviews and information research in a short amount of time. In order to complete everything in a timely manner, we needed to calculate time intervals in which we would complete the tasks in the most efficient way. And lastly, everyone participated in the Guoshengpu coastal cleanup. Here they were in charge of a small area and had to record the amount of waste. Social Studies With a theme like marine debris, it pulls us closer to the concept of social affairs and environmental protection. Both terrain and topography on the northern coast of Taiwan are combined in the social field and allow us to learn and experience through textbooks. Taiwan in a maritime nation, we need to pay attention to the ocean resources and environmental protection. Arts and Humanities In order for us to create a beautiful website, we needed to focus on the web pages color scheme. While listening to the sound of waves, we thought of ocean-related songs and the took a look at beautiful pictures of the beach. We need to cherish the nature we have and defend its natural beauty. Science and Technology We used computers to do most of the work, such as: statistical questionnaires. We also used cameras and videos to capture what we saw and experienced.

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Project Elements

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

Most of our information was displayed on the Changan Digital Platform. By using this school’s platform, we are able to upload our work and interview information. We are also able to discuss our thoughts and share all different kinds of information. With such a platform everyone is able to see each other’s progress, even if they weren’t able to attend research meetings.

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

For us, coastal cleanup turned into a lot of fun. For the Cyberfair Project we focused on understanding and appreciating it. We also hope that through out website people are able to understand the importance of marine conservation. From Yehliu Beach to Laomei Coastal Cleanup we became further involved in the Asian marine debris monitoring plan. Not only did we focus on the coastal cleanup, but we also learned the meaning behind the issues of marine debris. Our visits to different volunteers enabled us to have a deeper awareness of the pollution happening in the ocean. Most of these volunteers were happy to see us and gave us a lot of positive encouragement and praise. You find that people who work with environment protection are patient, go doers, and are informative of such issues.

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

Through the Cyberfair project we enabled the public to gain a further understanding of marine debris and encouraged people to take further care of it’s ecosystem. Through the Asian marine debris monitoring plan and coastal cleanup, we found that the ocean contains many different things making the problem evident. By joining us with the coastal cleanup and marine debris monitoring program, we can all make a difference! For example, everyone could use reusable water bottles(for a zero waste lifestyle!). Also, the Cyberfair project contributes to public awareness of the importance of marine conservation.

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

Many volunteers we interviewed were supportive and enthusiastic about the topic. Because of their help our researchers were well equipped with more meaningful content. In addition, we would like to thank many people. For example, photography expert, Mr. Jun-hao Chen, who is experienced with the subsea and was able to inform us of the status of ocean pollution. Dr. Te-chin Chen provided us with the treasures of marine debris and the narrative of it’s history. Mr. Chieh-shen Hu and Ms. Tzu-jung Chen provided the best part, information pertaining to the Asian marine debris monitoring plan, a coastal cleanup for our team.

5) Discoveries, Lessons and Surprises (Optional)

The ocean, for us, is not a familiar environment when in fact it’s all around us. Occasionally, families will go to the beach and play in the water, but do we really understand it? Through this case study we were able learn the seriousness of marine pollution. There could be more, but with the combined efforts of volunteers and staff, the beaches are able to be relatively clean! Through research, of course, we encountered many difficulties. Fortunately, we are able to overcome such issues by being strong and kind in order to further our efficient lessons. At the same time, the process of looking for literature can be quite lengthy and is an area we didn't want to spend a lot of time. After our research we acquired a lot of researching skills and knowledge of marine debris prevention. It was a nice, surprise ending to hear a student say, “Effort is the key to successful research!” Our effort? We were surprised to see such expression!

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