Jean+Lafitte+-+Barataria+-+Environmental+Sciences



= = = = = Jean Lafitte National Park and Historical Preserve =

East Jefferson High School
** Air, Land, and Water ** ** The unique animals, land, and plants of the Barataria **

**Purpose:** Identify and describe various animals, plants, and unique land formations of the Barataria area. **Goals:** · Increase the knowledge and understanding of students and others about the uniqueness of the region. · Highlight the past and present of the items identified and project the future challenges. **Procedure:** · Students will identify birds, animals, land forms, or flora unique to the Barataria area. · Using various research techniques, students will identify qualities of the item they have selected. · A field trip to the Barataria Preserve will be scheduled after the initial research is completed in order to give them first-hand experience of the area prior to podcasts. · A video conference or Skype call will be done with the ranger and the students to discuss how to best prepare for audio tour podcasting. · Students will create a script for each item identified that will become a podcast. · Podcasts will be recorded and edited to be presented to the NPS representative for inclusion on their website, as an audio tour, or other online location. · Students will create art or identify art that compliments their topic. · Using the podcast and artwork, the students will create their class’s choice of a glog, photo story, or other online book to be linked to the school’s site.

More information can be found in the project document:

Student Podcasts: @http://soundcloud.com/etowee/tracks


 * Contacts**
 * **Name** || **Contact** ||
 * Suzan Thompson, Teacher || suzan.thompson@jppss.k12.la.us ||
 * Elizabeth Towe, Technology Integration Specialist || elizabeth.towe@jppss.k12.la.us ||

Gretna, LA
The AP Environmental class at Thomas Jefferson High School is participating in the Jean Lafitte Environment and Culture Project. In February the class went on a field trip to the Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve and observed the ecosystem along the Bayou Coquille Trail. The students chose this trail because their research indicated they would be able to collect information on water, soil and biodiversity from three distinct sites: a marsh, a cypress swamp, and land built when a Mississippi River Tributary flowed there. They roped off each of the sites and collected water temperature, water and soil samples, tree diameters, canopy cover, flora and fauna. They compiled information in data tables, charts, and notes. Cameras and flip cameras were used to collect photos and video by all students. Water tests for coliform bacteria, dissolved oxygen, nitrates, phosphates, pH, salinity and turbidity were conducted in the educational facility on the park site. Soil samples were tested in class the next day. Data was analyzed and students wrote formal lab reports explaining their conclusions. Information and photos were also posted by students in a blog. The class used GPS units to record exact locations of their sites because they will return in April to repeat the project so that they can compare seasons. A class technology project will be posted on the park service website which will be a quest.

Project website: [] Photos from 2/10/2010 field trip: []


 * [[image:JLNP22.jpg width="200" height="230"]] || [[image:JLNP11.jpg width="200" height="150"]] || [[image:JLNP13.jpg width="200" height="150"]] ||

Teachers

 * **Name** || **Contact Information** ||
 * Judy Schmollinger || judy.schmollinger@jppss.k12.la.us ||