This project immerses students in the synergy of museum studies and digital technology over six weeks, focusing on scanning and processing endangered species models. In the first week, students will engage in an on-campus immersion to orient themselves with snails and birds. By the second week, a field trip to the Bishop Museum will deepen their understanding, including time for viewing a video on how to edit scans. Students contribute directly to biodiversity preservation and public education by creating high-quality digital models for a conservation app. Through partnerships with museums and conservation professionals, students gain a deeper understanding of ecological importance and the role of technology in conservation, highlighting the museum's educational and environmental stewardship mission.
Learning goals
During the first week, students will immerse themselves in understanding the ecological roles of snails and birds, orienting themselves to the project's focus. By the second week, students will visit the Bishop Museum to deepen their knowledge and view a video on editing scans, enhancing their technical skills. Students will develop advanced proficiency in using Artec scanners and software to create precise 3D models of biological specimens, dedicating additional time to mastering scanning and processing techniques. They will deepen their understanding of the ecological significance of native Hawaiian species and the importance of conservation efforts, particularly through the role of museums in education and preservation. Through collaboration with community partners, students will refine their communication and teamwork abilities, while also gaining insights into the broader impact of their contributions to conservation and education.
Standards
NGSS - HS-LS4-6: Create or revise a simulation to test a solution to mitigate adverse impacts of human activity on biodiversity.
Common Core - CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.SL.5: Make strategic use of digital media and visual displays of data to express information and enhance understanding of presentations.
ISTE Standards for Students - 4a: Students know and use a deliberate design process for generating ideas, testing theories, creating innovative artifacts, or solving authentic problems.
Products
Students will create accurate, high-quality digital scans of various snail and bird species, dedicating time to mastering scanning and processing techniques. These scans will serve as the foundation for animated models in the Hawaii DLNR conservation app, integrated into educational content that emphasizes the museum's role in species conservation and public education. Students will compile a comprehensive digital portfolio documenting their scanning process, reflections, and feedback, showcasing their technical and analytical skills. The final products will be presented in a public exhibition and a virtual gallery, highlighting the ecological significance of the species and their contribution to conservation efforts. Additionally, students will have the opportunity to view a video on editing scans during their field trip to the Bishop Museum in the second week, enhancing their understanding and application of digital editing techniques.
Launch
Begin the project with an on-campus immersion day, where students explore the ecology and significance of snails and birds through interactive activities and discussions. In the first week, introduce students to the Artec scanners with practice sessions on campus, building their technical skills and confidence. In the second week, organize a field trip to the Bishop Museum, where students can view taxidermy specimens and learn about the scanning process, including a video demonstration on editing scans, to deepen their understanding of the project's objectives.
Exhibition
Students will organize a 'Conservation Showcase' at the Bishop Museum, where they will present their scanned and animated models, emphasizing the museum's role in education and conservation. This event will engage museum visitors, educators, and local conservationists, highlighting the intersection of technology and traditional museum studies. With the extended timeframe, students will have more opportunities to refine their scanning and processing skills, ensuring high-quality models for the exhibition. Additionally, students will develop a 'Virtual Conservation Gallery' to share their work globally, and conduct a 'Student-Led Symposium' at school, promoting dialogue on their contributions to conservation efforts. Prior to the museum exhibition, students will participate in an on-campus immersion to familiarize themselves with snails and birds, and view an instructional video on editing scans during their field trip to the Bishop Museum in week 2.