Nature: Meet Technology Integration

Following a dreary few days of rain, wind, and brrrrrrisk weather, my friend and fellow techie teacher, Laurie, and I visited Oxbow Meadows Learning Center just south of the school where we teach. We are collaborating on a science/social studies/literacy project that will integrate Georgia Performance Standards, Cornerstone literacy strategies, and speech/language goals in an exciting technology-enhanced, problem-based learning project for our students.

We picked a perfect day to visit: sunny, mild, cloudless, and almost visitor-free. Red-winged Blackbirds, Great White Egrets, Turkey Vultures, common finches, a pair of Canada Geese, one perfect Painted Bunting, a Mockingbird or two, and several snapping turtles enjoyed the day as well. Disappointed not to find a Great Blue Heron -- maybe next visit. We were delighted to chat with the knowledgeable workers and to borrow some excellent field glasses and field guide.

Red-winged Blackbird (Amazing what a little accessorizing does for a simple, little black dress.)


Great White Egret (Nimble, quick, and unexpectedly graceful on those ungainly looking legs.)



Turkey Vultures (Well, somebody's gotta appreciate 'em...they have a thankless job.)



Painted Bunting (SHAZAAM!!)



We took lots of pictures - a virtual field trip of sorts. I unintentionally used the color accent camera setting, so the greens look terrific, but everything else pales in comparison to the brilliance of the day. No matter, we'll be back, hopefully with kids in-tow.

Oxbow Meadows April 8, 2009

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