After this “trip” — which included discussion and note-taking at each “location” — students developed a list of questions they wanted to answer, composed letters (using word-processing software) containing their questions, and sent their letters via e-mail to the local zoo. When they received responses, they created a database of information for other students to use. Creating the database also assisted student learning because reading was reinforced with writing. In all, the information about bald eagles was encountered four times: with Ms. Milby on the field trip, when letters were written, when information was received and read, and when information was entered into the database.