Content: This photoessay was created for the class, GS4401, Science in the Elementary Classroom, in the fall of 2007. I created the assignment under the advisement of Dr. Gross.

Impact: This photoessay assignment was created to show the understanding of science and how science is all around us. The purpose of this assignment was to take photographs from our surrounding environment to demonstrate that life, physical, earth/space, environmental science exist everywhere in the community, school, and inside the home. I also had to formulate and create scientific inquiries that students might have about the photograph. These questions are common questions that students might ask about science related content (clouds, machines, human body, environment, etc).

Alignment: With this project I met the following standard for elementary teachers:

Standard 15: Elementary teachers encourage underrepresented group to engage in the schooling process, especially math and science.

Indicator 1: Teachers use a variety of strategies to encourage underrepresented groups to engage in the schooling process, especially math and science. They:

•Utilize community resources

•Give personal attention and encouragement to underrepresented groups of students

•Use relevant and real-world applications the interest a diverse population

•Encourage underrepresented groups to assume leadership roles.

I met this standard by creating an example of an activity that I would have my students create. The students would utilize their recourses in their community by taking pictures of people, places, and things that have science content. This would give encouragement to all groups of students and especially girls, since girls are the underrepresented group in science. I think young girls would enjoy this activity greatly and give them a chance to do well in science. This activity gives the example of science in everyday life, this assignment provides real world examples to science and this activity will allow students to see the connections to the world around them.