After completion of the conference we will create a chart, listing everything we learned about manatees.  The students will then create a book about manatees to share along with their own research at the end of unit celebration.

Math Science Technology Standards
Standard 4
Students will understand & apply scientific concepts, principles and theories pertaining to the physical setting & living environment  & recognize the historical development of ideas in science

Time Required:
Planning - set up video conference equipment, preset camera settings, 60 minutes
e-mail zoo educator to coordinate the program - 15 minutes

Pre-Lessons and Activities - 2 Practice sessions using the video conference equipment with other sites, approximately 20 minutes each - 3 preparatory lessons - 35 minutes each consisting of gauging the student's prior knowledge of both oceans and manatees

Implementation - Actual Videoconference session - 60 minutes

Post Lessons and Activities - One lesson to create list of what students learned from the zoo educator. Three sessions to write, illustrate and publish manatee book.

Logistical Planning:
Setting up the videoconferencing equipment in the classroom before school
Students will practice videoconferencing with the equipment in the classroom for two 20-minute sessions.  Teacher will confer with special education teachers to modify lessons to bet fit the needs of the students in the class.

Technique and Observations:
The students will writ and publish a class book about manatees.  They will then use this model to create their own individual book on the ocean animal they chose to research.