2.1.1

===2.1.1 Continue an inquiry-based research process by applying critical-thinking skills (analysis,synthesis, evaluation,organization) to information and knowledge in order to construct new understandings, draw conclusions, and create new knowledge .===

__**Handheld devices and NatureMapping**__ [|**http://naturemappingfoundation.org/science.html**]
====Students can use handhelds in conjuntion with the NatureMapping Foundation to begin inquiry based research on an environmental problem or question in the their community. Using the handhelds and NatureMapping resources they can collect scientific data, synthesize, draw conclusions, and perhaps create solutions for the community. ====

**Connections to Ideas and Concepts from //Meaningful Learning with Technology//**
Our textbook mentions the use of handhelds and NatureMapping, with specific examples of its use in the classroom (p.33-34).

**Connections to Multiple Intelligences**
This tool will be appealing to learners who are kinesthetic, interpersonal, logical, naturalistic, and/or visual. ====**Technology Tools and Their Application to the Standard** This tool meets Standard 1d because students can use the handhelds and information gathered to identify environmental trends and forecast future outcomes. Standard 2a when they collaborate with their peers in information sharing and understanding what their individual data means when examined collectively. Standard 3d will be exhibited when students create analysis reports on their data and exhibit their information to peers, teachers, and stakeholders in the community. This tool also answers to Standard 6a when the students have mastered the use of their handhelds.====

media type="custom" key="5921595" align="left" width="77" height="77"__**WebQuests**__:

A WebQuest is an inquiry-oriented lesson format developed by Bernie Dodge. in which most or all the information that learners work with comes from the web. Whether working through a teacher designed WebQuest or designing their own, Students utilize multiple web technologies and hone their researching skills and as such there are opportunities for addressing many learning styles. A well designed WebQuest challenges students to do just what the standard describes, apply critical thinking skills (analysis synthesis, evaluation, organization) to information and knowledge in order to construct new understandings, draw conclusions and create new knowledge. Looking at the ISTE standards it is easy to see how WebQuests relate to standard 1, 3, and 4. 3. Research and Information Fluency:Students apply digital tools to gather, evaluate, and use information. Students plan strategies to guide inquiry. Students locate, organize, analyze, evaluate, synthesize, and ethically use information from a variety of sources and media. And especially if students create their own Quest, it requires them to evaluate and select information sources and digital tools based on the appropriateness to specific tasks.

More information about WebQuests can be found in our text in Chapter 2 or in the article, [|Inquiry Based Learning Using the Internet: Research, Resources, WebQuests] by Maureen Brown Yoder, or, if you haven't already, by viewing the video WebQuests 101.

[|Google Wonder]

Google Wonder is a new Google search feature that students can use not only to find information, but to see topics related to their initial search. This would assist students in exploring issues related to their topics and developing their topics further.It works like a built-in "mind mapper" and could also function as a concept map.

2.1.2: Organize knowledge so that it is useful. 2.1.3: Use strategies to draw conclusions from information and apply knowledge to curricular areas, real-world situations, and further investigations. 2.1.4: Use technology and other information tools to analyze and organize information. 2.1.5: Collaborate with others to exchange ideas, develop new understandings, make decisions, and solve problems. 2.1.6: Use the writing process, media and visual literacy, and technology skills to create products that express new understandings.