Using "Bug Tug" to Create Cooperative Learning Opportuninties Between Schools

        This page is about how students can cooperativly do the
 same experiment at differant

 schools using a computer and a modem.

        Students can cooperatively work together using a
 computer and a modem.

        Materials: 8 Bess Beetles divided into two groups 
(each individually labeled), wood glue, 2 strips of sandpaper 
(2 inches wide x 6 inches long), 60 pennies, small differant 
colored stickers (for labeling), computer, modem, program 
witch allows people to talk to another person on a computer, 
4 strips of wood  (6 inches long x 1 inch wide), 2 paper sleighs 
(2 inches x 2 inches), 2 pieces of thread 6 inches long, tape, 
2 pieces of cardboard (1 foot x 1 foot).

        First: Divide the materials with two schools and do the
 following steps with both schools.
        Second: Place the small differant colored stickers on
 the beetlesbacks.
        Third: Tape the sandpaper on one of the ends of the
 cardboard.
        Fourth: With wood glue, glue the strips of wood long
 ways along the strip of sandpaper.
        Fifth: Tie one end of the piece of thread to the paper
 sleigh and make a loop at the other end.
        Sixth: Place the bess beetle at the end of the sandpaper
 and put the loop around its horn. Pull the sled back until the
 thread is tight, but don't pull the beetle back. Both schools
 should do this.
        Seventh: Let the beetle pull the sled. Add a penny each
 time the beetle pulls the sled. When the beetle can't pull any
 more pennies record it. Do steps six and seven for the other
   beetles. Compare the results with the other school. 

         

Bess Beetles actual Size.                       Bess Beetle.




Bess Beetle pulling pennies.

The Conversation

        Students worked together using a computer and a modem to
 perform the same experiment.

        Students at differant schools can cooperatively perform
 identical experiments using a computer and a modem. 

        Because of the success of this project differant schools
 in the future can perform similar projects.

        "Bug Tug" is an experiment done yearly at Philadelphia
 Elem. in Philadelphia TN, U.S.A. This is the first time it has
 been done over two schools.