Exploring the Role of Digital Photography to Enhance Student Inquiry in a Local Ecosystem

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Rivet, A. & Schneider, R. (2004). Exploring the Role of Digital Photography to Enhance Student Inquiry in a Local Ecosystem. Journal of Computers in Mathematics and Science Teaching, 23(1), 47-65. Norfolk, VA: AACE.
Retrieved from http://www.editlib.org/p/12869.

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Journal Information

Journal of Computers in Mathematics and Science Teaching
ISSN 0731-9258
Volume 23, Issue 1, 2004
Association for the Advancement of Computing in Education (AACE)  Norfolk, VA

More Information on JCMST

Authors

Ann Rivet, Teachers College Columbia University, United States; Rebecca Schneider, University of Toledo, United States

Abstract

Digital photography has the potential to support student inquiry in real-world settings. However, specific ideas for the most effective use of digital photography to benefit students during inquiry, as well as the evidence indicating that this is possible, have not yet been established. Forty-one seventhgrade students used digital cameras and images to support their extended investigation of a local stream. Students used their photographs to support their ideas about the health of their stream and to create web pages to share their ideas with their community. Students' photographs, predictions, and web pages were collected. Students were surveyed and teachers were interviewed about their experiences during this project. Digital photography offered students the opportunity and capability to take high quality photographs of their local ecosystem. Digital photography was associated with time students spent thinking about their ecosystem and relevant concepts. Students' desire to participate and feelings of ownership were enhanced. Photographs also emphasized to students factors not easily measured such as plant life as well as the holistic nature of ecosystems. Observed challenges point to a need for photographs across seasons and an emphasis on science concepts in conjunction with the use of photographs.

Keywords

• Students

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