Learning through Books, Media and Technology

ARTICLES THIS ISSUE:

1995 Administrative Leadership Award for Library Media Services

1994 President's Award Winners Ruby Ling-Louie and Dale Buboltz

Restructuring Science – Pyner High School

Colaboration to the nth degree – Alvarado Middle School

The keyword is science – Newmark Memorial High School

Giving research a practical twist – Rancho Cotate High School

A Good Ideas Encore! – De Portola Middle School

A fair opportunity for students – Challenger Junior High School

From petri dishes to publishing – Rialto High School

Resource-based learning in science – Reedley High School

The web of learning – Sierra Vista Elementary School

Buying a piece of hte rain forest – George C. Marshall Elementary School

Too Good To Miss! Eisenhower High School, Florin High School

Good Ideas! Home Page

Good Ideas! is published by CSLA

1499 Old Bayshore Hwy.

Burlingame

California

94010

(415) 692-2350

Resource-based learning in science

Reedley High School

A pilot program in science that relied entirely upon the use of outside resources instead of textbooks made Reedley science teachers realize that the library media center was the key to their success. As a result, new resources have been added, with more planned, so that this method can be used with all science students. Resource sharing must be carefully orchestrated so that student progress is monitored, yet individual interest in a special science topic is not curbed. Carol Lopez Doerksen admits to some frustration because more materials are always needed, "but we have been able to work with it."

Science students Joey Silva and Shaun White look for information for a brochure on planets as Carol Doerksen watches

Units of study encompass such topics as elements, matter; atomic theory, Biosphere II, astronomy, planets, physicists, Spaceship Earth, oceans, DNA, biomes, diseases, and atomic theory. New topics will be added this year by teachers who understand the possibilities and limitations of the information available in the library media center. As resources expand, ideas are bound to explode. Says Carol, "The Reedley High School science staff understands that the process is as important as the product."

As the only public high school in the district, Reedley services an area of approximately 500 square miles! More than 200 of its students are identified as limited English proficient, yet this does not appear to limit their capacity to learn about science. When necessary, Carol has used Spanish-language encyclopedias and books, and has encouraged end products such as posters or brochures. Periodical indexes and other computerized resources are enticing to all students, and those who need help get it either from the classroom teacher or from Carol and her staff.

• Reedley Hogh School (Grades 9-12; enrollment 1,700)
  740 West North Avenue, Reedley 93654
  Juan Garza, Principal
  Carol Lopez Doerksen, Library Media Teacher
  Kings Canyon Unified School District