Lesson Plan Three: Japan Research Web

Michigan English Language Arts Standards and Benchmarks:

    1.Inquiry and Research

        Standard 11: All students will define and investigate important issues and problems using a variety of resources, including technology, to explore and create texts.

            Later Elementary Benchmark 3: Organize and analyze information to draw conclusions and implications based on their investigation of an issue or problem.        

National Educational Technology Standards:

    1. Basic operations and concepts

            1. Use keyboards and other common input and output devices (including adaptive devices when necessary) efficiently and effectively.

    5. Technology research tools

    6. Technology problem-solving and decision-making tools

            8. Use technology resources for problem-solving, self-directed learning, and extended learning activities.

Objectives:

    -Students will create a web of their researched information using a software program called Kidspiration.

Materials:

    -Research worksheet

    -Computer Lab (30 computers)

    -Kidspiration software (installed on all computers)

    -LCD projector

Purpose:

    -Students will learn to organize their researched information into a web that will be easier for them to read and use when constructing their research paper and PowerPoint presentation.  This web will help the students lay out their main ideas.

Anticipatory Set:

   -Teacher will ask the students to give her an example of how to lay out their information in an organized manner.  Teacher is hoping students will mention the software Kidspiration, although they have only used it a few times in the past.

Check for Understanding:  [Will occur after Guided Practice]

   -After Guided Practice, the teacher will ask the class what will go under a specific bubble.  For example, the teacher might say, "What kind of information would go under the bubble called 'Materials Used'?"  Teacher will also ask specific questions to each student as she walks around and observes the students working.  No two webs will look the same, so asking many questions to the group would be impractical.

Modeling:

   -Teacher will show students where to go in Kidspiration.  Teacher will show students how she would begin organizing her information.

Guided Practice

   -Students will begin their web by making a template of the way they want their information arranged.  Teacher will leave her example on the screen so students can refer back to it.

    -Teacher will ask students to stop after they finish their personal  template.

Independent Practice:

   -Students begin filling in their web with all appropriate information from their research.

    -If students feel they need more information, they are allowed to research on the Internet at this time.

*This will last approximately two computer lab times *

Closure:

   -Students must show the teacher their web before they will be allowed to print it.  Teacher will check each student's web to make sure all questions are answered and the student has a sufficient amount of information.