CURRICULUM
WITH A PURPOSE

by Andrew Hocking

When we talk about the I*EARN model we often think of computers and modems and the technology associated. The students definitely enjoy this side of I*EARN and so do I for that matter. It is great fun to send and collect e-mail and explore the many I* EARN conferences and the Internet. Learning from others half way around the world about what their science class is like and what they are doing in it is fantastic for students and brings a whole new perspective to their learning and the way they perceive their learning.

One of my greatest successes since being involved in the I*EARN model however, did not involve the students using the technology constantly, but rather was due to the I*EARN philosophy. That is to show students that through their efforts they can make a meaningful difference to the welfare of the people and the planet.

A year 10 science class was studying the ozone layer and the relationship of this and the rising rate of skin cancer in Australia. The students were to complete a task which would help make a difference to the planet and the people. The reports and activities they completed were to be used for an I*EARN publication called Icarus which deals with the depletion of the ozone layer and the measurement of ultra-violet radiation. The articles and experiences were to be reported on the conference which is the posting conference for all the articles for the magazine.

Two girls in the class decided that they wanted to educate younger children at the local primary school. They researched the topics of what ozone is and where and how it is depleted, as well as researching skin cancer. They also used the resources available on the interned such as conferences and newsgroups to find information.

Once they had the required information they then went about planning the lesson they were going to give to a group of Grade 3 students. As you can well imagine, the thought of presenting a 1 hour class to a group of grade 3 students was a very daunting task. They spent a great deal of time planning their lesson which involved puzzles, talks, role plays, dress ups, competitions, prizes, etc.

They finally went down to the primary school after a great deal of effort and presented their class to the grade 3 students. Another student went with them to video the performance. The classroom teacher observed them and was greatly impressed by the effort and the professionalism they showed. More importantly the grade 3's had a great time and really learnt something about ozone and the risks of skin cancer.

My student's came back on a real high and felt as if they had really achieved something and had helped someone else. They both decided they wanted to be teachers and then quickly proceeded to write up an article for the latest edition of the Icarus magazine.

I*EARN gives the motivation and the impetus for students and teachers to make a meaningful difference to the world. It gives the curriculum a real purpose and adds meaning to what we do. It is not learning just for learning's sake.