Learning+Center+Design

=Learning Center Design=

__Center 1:__//What do you hear?// __Center 2:__ //What do you see?// __Center 3:__ //If you build it, they will come.// __Center 4:__ //When do you predict they will be here?// __Center 1: What Do You Hear?__ Students will utilize 4 MP3 player to listen to pre-loaded Glenn Miller’s version of “//When The Swallows Come Back To Capistrano.”// After listening to the Glenn Miller song, they will note what they believe the song means. Students will be instructed to make-up their own song, or poem, about swallows or their favorite bird. The teacher will encourage students to be creative, but school appropriate in their interpretations of meanings. __Center 2: What Do You See?__ Students will explore the videos on barn swallows found at [] and fill out the worksheet entitled “Look Closely.” They will note their observations about the videos, making sure to specify at least three things that they noticed, what they think is happening and what they would like to learn more about. The teacher will ensure that all computers are working properly and that students are exploring the appropriate videos. The teacher will also facilitate in filling out the worksheet were needed. __Center 3: If you build it, they will come.__ Students will use build a swallow’s nest using popsicle sticks as the foundation. They will then use the straw, dirt and water to make mud to apply to their structure. The purpose of this exercise is for students to understand how difficult it can be to create a structure using limited materials, and how resourceful the swallows are. __Center 4: When do you predict they will be here?__ Students will use the computers to review information regarding the barn swallows migration from [], and weather information from the National Weather Service link to predict future migration of barn swallows. Students will use the maps provided of North and South American to note current sightings and predicted arrival in Pennsylvania. The teacher will assist students in understanding the various maps displayed on the above websites. Student’s knowledge will be assessed based on “Look Closely” worksheet and prediction map. []
 * Center Information**
 * Author:** Laura Glassmann
 * Title of the Centers:** Great Migration
 * Grade Level:** 4 -6
 * Content Areas:** Science, reading, math and social studies
 * Types of Centers:** The centers are designed to encourage observation, exploration and interest.
 * Organization of Centers:** Students will rotate through the centers in groups of 5.
 * Time Needed:** 90 minutes
 * Learning Objectives**
 * 1) The students will learn about barn swallows.
 * 2) Students will use information from the National Weather Service to anticipate migration timing of the barn swallows based on current information and historical data.
 * 3) Students will learn to identify nesting areas, and materials used, of barn swallows.
 * Materials Needed:**
 * 1) “Look Closely” Handout
 * 2) 10 Computers with internet ability
 * 3) Straw
 * 4) Dirt
 * 5) Water
 * 6) Popsicle sticks
 * 7) 5 MP3 players
 * 8) Barn Swallow song
 * 9) Maps of North and South America
 * Center Activity Descriptions:**
 * Assessments:**
 * Handouts:**
 * Links**