English Class: Students Prepare & Present Digital Media Projects 1. Interdisciplinary Connection!

Students will use the research they have conducted on birds in biology class to assist them in creating their final summative assessment for English class. The purpose of this project is to present the information that they have learned about a particular bird (from biology class) in a digital format designed to persuade viewers to respect and understand the environmental issues associated with their bird. To do so effectively, students must draw from their biology content knowledge and their English nonfiction argument analysis experience. The teacher will walk students through the writing process with ample models of writing (both professional and former students samples) and formative feedback from the teacher. Students choices of digital media include video, digital story, and public service announcement. Many excellent examples and directions on how to create and assess such media presentations can be found on Kathy Schrocks Guide to Everything (http://www.schrockguide.net/digital-storytelling.html). Included in Appendix B is a rubric we have found to be useful because it directly addresses elements from the nonfiction unit as well as elements of the digital media. Supplemental Texts to Explore Environmentalism: Have the following texts on hand to serve as references and professional models of writing for students as they prepare their projects. Going Blue: A Teen Guide to Saving Our Oceans, Lakes, Rivers, & Wetlands Heroes of the Environment: True Stories of People Who Are Helping to Protect Our Planet Endangered, Eliot Schrefer