Teacher Page - Lesson Plan
This lesson is designed to be an interactive web quest. Students will need access to multiple computers. A computer lab is the best setting to use for the project, which should take a week (at minimum) to complete, using one period per day, and a week (at minumum) to present, using one period per day.
A Smart Board/Promethian Board will be needed to present the power point projects to the class.
Day One - Teacher greets the class as they arrive by presenting each student with a small American flag and an Uncle Sam hat. Patriotic music will be playing and a fireworks display over Washington, D.C. will be showing on the electronic board. (Recommendation - a recording of the PBS yearly presentation of "A Capital Fourth".)
Teacher will explain that for the next couple of weeks the class will be doing a research project on the internet called a web quest. Teacher will explain that a web quest involves using the World Wide Web to research information on specific topics using links and searches. This web quest is to use clues, like a treasure hunter, to find national treasure. The class will be divided into groups, and each group will be given a name that is partly question marks. They must figure out what the name of their group is by solving the clue given on each group's webquest page. Students must each solve the clue and turn in their answer on a piece of paper to recieve a treat from the Sweet Jar (red, white, and blue candy, of course). Students who know the answer must not share it with other group members.
After they solve the clue for their group name, they will begin the webquest by using their group web quest page. They have a series of questions to answer, and they are given links to click on that will take them to websites that will help them to find the answers. They all have a note-taking form that is designed to be used on the computer. They will probably need to use several computers at once. Groups can work individually on one question or in pairs. All of the information needs to be recorded into the note-taking form, and saved throughout the work period. Students might like to print their work each day.
The note-taking forms will be used to create a power point. Each group should have a minimum of 15 slides. Each web quest page contains specific assignment information unique to each group. This information is similar for each group, but there are some differences on each page. The students should answer all of the questions and complete all of the assigned projects on the web quest before beginning their power point.
There is a tutorial link on this website that students can view for step-by-step instructions on how to create a power point.
The teacher will circulate throughout the classroom/lab each day, continuing to build enthusiasm, support learning, and providing technical assistance as needed. Parent volunteers will be asked to be available to assist with research and power point questions. Students will be greeted with fireworks and music, flags and hats each day as they enter the classroom. Students may wear their hats while working on the project if they like.
Students will also write a Reader's Theatre script as assigned on their web quest page. Samples of Reader's Theatre scripts are readily available on the internet. Students will prepare this script using Microsoft Word, and will print the completed product to turn in to the teacher on presentation day.
On presentation day, the group will present the power point to the class using the Smart Board. Students may dress in costume and bring any props that they would like to use to enhance their presentation. Reader's Theatre script should be performed at the conclusion of the power point.
Students will be graded on the rubic found on the Evaluations page.
Extra credit can be earned for answering the clues at the bottom of the Evaluations page.
The power points will be published on Ms. Hadden's homepage for parents to enjoy viewing.
At the conclusion of all presentations, the class will celebrate with a popcorn party and a viewing of the movie National Treasure.
A Smart Board/Promethian Board will be needed to present the power point projects to the class.
Day One - Teacher greets the class as they arrive by presenting each student with a small American flag and an Uncle Sam hat. Patriotic music will be playing and a fireworks display over Washington, D.C. will be showing on the electronic board. (Recommendation - a recording of the PBS yearly presentation of "A Capital Fourth".)
Teacher will explain that for the next couple of weeks the class will be doing a research project on the internet called a web quest. Teacher will explain that a web quest involves using the World Wide Web to research information on specific topics using links and searches. This web quest is to use clues, like a treasure hunter, to find national treasure. The class will be divided into groups, and each group will be given a name that is partly question marks. They must figure out what the name of their group is by solving the clue given on each group's webquest page. Students must each solve the clue and turn in their answer on a piece of paper to recieve a treat from the Sweet Jar (red, white, and blue candy, of course). Students who know the answer must not share it with other group members.
After they solve the clue for their group name, they will begin the webquest by using their group web quest page. They have a series of questions to answer, and they are given links to click on that will take them to websites that will help them to find the answers. They all have a note-taking form that is designed to be used on the computer. They will probably need to use several computers at once. Groups can work individually on one question or in pairs. All of the information needs to be recorded into the note-taking form, and saved throughout the work period. Students might like to print their work each day.
The note-taking forms will be used to create a power point. Each group should have a minimum of 15 slides. Each web quest page contains specific assignment information unique to each group. This information is similar for each group, but there are some differences on each page. The students should answer all of the questions and complete all of the assigned projects on the web quest before beginning their power point.
There is a tutorial link on this website that students can view for step-by-step instructions on how to create a power point.
The teacher will circulate throughout the classroom/lab each day, continuing to build enthusiasm, support learning, and providing technical assistance as needed. Parent volunteers will be asked to be available to assist with research and power point questions. Students will be greeted with fireworks and music, flags and hats each day as they enter the classroom. Students may wear their hats while working on the project if they like.
Students will also write a Reader's Theatre script as assigned on their web quest page. Samples of Reader's Theatre scripts are readily available on the internet. Students will prepare this script using Microsoft Word, and will print the completed product to turn in to the teacher on presentation day.
On presentation day, the group will present the power point to the class using the Smart Board. Students may dress in costume and bring any props that they would like to use to enhance their presentation. Reader's Theatre script should be performed at the conclusion of the power point.
Students will be graded on the rubic found on the Evaluations page.
Extra credit can be earned for answering the clues at the bottom of the Evaluations page.
The power points will be published on Ms. Hadden's homepage for parents to enjoy viewing.
At the conclusion of all presentations, the class will celebrate with a popcorn party and a viewing of the movie National Treasure.