Technology Integration: East Montpelier Mapping Project

During our technology integration times, the second and third grade students have been working with their classroom teachers and Ms. Arlyn on an East Montpelier Mapping Unit.  The East Montpelier Planning Commission has asked for student input about what kids would like to see as part of the future of the East Montpelier village.  This unit is a way for students to share their ideas with the Planning Commission, our families, and the entire community.  Our "big idea" for this unit is that a community changes, but stays meaningful to the people who live there.

We started this unit by learning about assets, examining maps of the Little River Campground in Waterbury and listing out various assets that we noticed.  Then, each student and teacher chose a campsite that we would want to stay in and explained our reasons about why we thought it would be a good choice for us.

Next, we looked at the EMES playground to determine the current assets in different areas of the playground.  Students worked in pairs to create a lists of assets for their area on an iPad.  Groups shared their ideas with the class.  We also looked at photos of the EMES playground in the past to see how it had changed over time.

Using Google Earth, we looked at the area of East Montpelier village from the East Montpelier Home Center to the Town Clerk's office.  Students created maps showing Route 2, the Winooski River, and several important places.

This past week, we started writing about our ideas of what we would like to see in the East Montpelier village in the future.  Next, we will create illustrations and then record ourselves reading our writing.

Students will share their projects at the Open House on Thursday, October, 20th from 6:00 to 7:00 pm.  We hope to see you there!