Electronic Literacy Pre K - 12

Title: Explore the United States Using Multiple Data Resources

Grade Level(s): 4th

Subject Area(s): Social Studies, Language Arts, Media Skills Learner Outcomes

Description:

Students will be introduced to various research tools (pathfinder). Students will use more than one of these resources to find required information about a selected state. Students will use this data to complete the student activities worksheets. They will inform others about their state by preparing a booklet for media center display. They will provide a Works Cited to document their sources of information.

Outcomes/Core Learning Goals:

• *Dimension 1: Positive Attitudes about Learning
• *Dimension 2: Acquiring and Integrating Knowledge
• *Dimension 3: Extend and Refine Knowledge
• *Dimension 4: Meaningful Use of Knowledge
• *Dimension 5: Productive Habits of Mind

Time Frame: eight or more 45 minute worksessions

Materials/Technology:

• access to the Internet, media center print and non-print resources
• sets of index cards to match number of workgroups/computers (yellow, pink, green, blue, orange)
• student activity worksheets (cover, where in the world, map, data, news, persuade)
• colored pencils
• transparencies of activity sheets or a completed project to use as model

Teacher Preparation:

Decide on how states will be chosen by students. All fifty states should be assigned before repeating a state. If time is an issue, consider making this a group project.

Determine access to computers. You might give each student a colored index card as they enter the media center that matches the tables where you start your lesson. Depending on the number of computers, rotate color groups in 20 minute sessions. Groups not on the computer will use print resources such as an atlas or a print encyclopedia or work on their illustrations.

A USA pathfinder is available. You may also use Ask Jeeves for Kids or another search engine to find additional appropriate Internet sites for student research

If you intend to tier instruction, evaluate reading level of selected sites and other print and non-print resources. Sites may be pre-selected. Student activity pages may be reduced as needed but make sure at least one page requires internet-based information.

Choose an appropriate site(s). Review website structure by using Check Your Website or Evaluate Your Website with students.This can be done with the whole class or by pairing students and sharing results.

Use introductory Works Cited worksheet. Each student should be provided a copy.

Prepare prompt and rubric (e.g., points format).

Print out student activity worksheets. Cut as indicated and arrange side by side on 8.5" x 11" paper. Make sure there is space to staple on the left of each page. Duplicate. Cut in half. Prepare a set for each student.

Prepare a sample graphic organizer (booklet). Make associated transparencies or have chart paper available to model data collection.

Student Prior Knowledge and Skills:

Students will be able to use an encyclopedia,world atlas, the Patron's Catalog.
Students will be familiar with using a pathfinder.
Students will be familiar with using keywords in a search.
Students will be familiar with using an Internet browser and basic website vocabulary.
Students will be familiar with using a CD-ROM.

Lesson Design/Learning Sequence:

Introduction/Opening

• Direct students: Sit at tables according to your color card.
• Overview: Make a fact booklet about a state of your choice to be displayed in the Media Center. Use the computer for part of this project. Work together in groups during computer time.
• Distribute pages of booklet. Go over rubric.
• Inform students that the cover should not repeat illustrations contained in the booklet but should highlight something unique, other facts, other symbols; it should make the viewer want to read about their state.
• Advise students that spelling counts and that activity pages are to be paperclipped in order at end of each worksession.

Body of Lesson

• Teacher will introduce pathfinder and demonstrate selected research tools.

  Assignment/Activity

• Students will follow directions and complete project.
• Students will complete the Works Cited.

  Closure of Lesson

• Pages will be put in order, stapled, graded by points achieved, and displayed in Media Center.
• Classroom teacher will be given grades for each student.

  Modification for Gifted Students:

• Superior quality is expected. Creativity in cover design is rewarded with a star. As they finish, they may assist others or explore the pathfinder more fully.

  Modification Learning Disabled Students:

• Allow students to help each other.
• This project map be easily changed to a team project. Each team member is responsible for two pages of the final product.
• The media specialist/teacher will be available for one-on-one intervention, support, and encouragement.
• Content of project (number of pages, number of resources) may be reduced as necessary. 

Assessment/Evaluation:

• Students will complete the assignment. It will be evaluated according to a rubric (e.g., points format).
• Booklets will be displayed in the media center.
• If projects are not completed within timeframe, individual students may be asked to return at their classroom teacher's discretion or during recess.

Additional Activities: Students may explore pathfinder sites in more depth. They might suggest the kind of data they think should be included in this report as the lesson is revised.

Additional Resources: Students may use the public library for additional information.

Developed by: Mary Beth Castonguay, media specialist Travilah Elementary School

Date: August 18, 1999 

Elementary School Curriculum Based Lessons and Pathfinders

Middle School Curriculum Based Lessons and Pathfinders

High School Curriculum Based Lessons and Pathfinders

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Last Updated on August 20, 1999

Maintained by <Marjorie_Geldon@fc.mcps.k12.md.us> 
and <Linda_Crump@fc.mcps.k12.md.us>