Research Project on Mcdonalds

							Teachers College Columbia University
Daniel P McVeigh, Dr John Black
Ocean of Know: Project “Young McDonalds Farm”
www.oceanofk.org


Power Point Notes:

Tele-robotic Aquaponics
Young McDonalds Farm
Mathematics, Science and Technology (MST) Program
Cognitive Science Research:

Dr John Black Teachers College Columbia University
Daniel P McVeigh Teachers College Columbia University

Project run by:

Ocean of Know 501 c-3 Non for Profit

Main program: Young McDonalds farm




Facilities
Physical farm:5000 gallon re-circulation aquaponics installation
Housed at Rutgers University research greenhouse
Rutgers Dean and research Dean favor the project

No Pumpkin Left Behind
Planting starts May 15th

Outside Farm

Technology
Tele-Robotics

Hand held Sensors and Online Sensors

Video teleconferencing

Web Site

Virtual re-circulation Fish Farm




Tele-robotics
Students activate the robot through a web page
Students can watch the robot move through a video conferencing unit
Current robotic arms are used:
 Feed the fish
Add baking soda to change the pH level


Links with Spain
Catch a fish
Weigh a fish
Fish farm simulation

Developing Clear
Mental Models
by using
System Simulations
TESTING AND RESULTS

Education research
Tests were conducted with a fish farm system simulation in combination with other
activities in order to measure its ability to assist in the teaching and learning of
water chemistry and eco systems

Results support the dual coding hypothesis (Paivio, 1990) that posits two kinds of
connections:
1) representational connections between verbal stimuli and verbal representations
2) between visual stimuli and visual representations and referential connections between
visual and verbal representations
(Mayer/Anderson 1991)



Results and Findings

Mathematics
Pre test-Only showed that 5% of the students were able to answer the question “If
a fish weighed 100 ounces, and we are to feed the fish 6% of their body weight, how
much do we feed the fish? “
Post test showed that 90% understood the concept of %.


ELA
ELA projects are done through inquiry based learning
Improved research skills through project based learning

Peer Review
Each teacher will submit a lesson plan tied to the state format for Peer Review
Benefit - Teachers receive recognition for their work