Teacher Notes

 

Subject Area: Social Studies, Language Arts, Listening & Speaking, Technology

Grade Level: Grades 3 -5

Neccessary Skills: It will be necessary to teach the students about the Internet, citing references, journalism basics, and using presentation software such as Power Point or Hyperstudio.

Time required: One to two weeks

Goal: The goal of this WebQuest is to conduct research using the Internet, multimedia, and print resources and use the information gained to prepare an informative article or presentation.

Materials Needed: Access to computers with the Internet, multimedia encyclopedia, presentation software, print resources, and any other resources available.

Curriculum Standards Addressed:

Arizona Academic Standards: Social Studies*

* These standards are taken from the September 1999 Draft Summary

Foundations ( Grades 1 - 3)

Civics-Government:

• One-nation concept
• Songs, US tradional
• National symbols

Essentials ( Grades 4 - 5)

History:

• Colonization
• American Revolution - Constitution

Arizona Academic Standards: Language Arts

Foundations ( Grades 1 - 3)

• Gather, organize and accurately, clearly and sequentially report information gained from personal observations and experiences such as field trips and classroom visitors.
• Use effective vocabulary and logical organization to relate or summarize ideas, events, and other information.
• Prepare and deliver information by generating topics, identifying the audience; and organizing ideas, facts, or opinions for a variety of speaking purposes, such as giving directions, relating personal experiences, telling a story, or presenting a report.
• Plan and present a report, using two or more visual media.
• Access, view and respond to visual forms such as computer programs, videos, artifacts, drawings, pictures and collages.

Essentials ( Grades 4 - 8)

• Use reading strategies such as making inferences and predictions, summarizing, paraphrasing, differentiating fact from opinion, drawing conclusions, and determining the author's purpose and perspective to comprehend written selections.
• Analyze selections of fiction, nonfiction, and poetry by identifying the plot line; distinguishing the main character from minor ones; describing the relationships between and motivations of characters; and making inferences about the events, setting, style, tone, mood and meaning of the selections.
• Write a summary that presents information clearly and accurately, contains the most significant details and preserves the position of the author.
• Locate, acknowledge, and use several sources to write an informational report in their own words.
• Prepare and deliver an oral report in a content area and effectively convey the information through verbal and nonverbal communications with a specific audience.
• Plan, develop and produce a visual presentation, using a variety of media such as videos, films, newspapers, magazines, and computer images.

National Educational Technology Standards*

* The Arizona standards are in the process of being reviewed and revised. It appears that the new standards may closely approximate those of NETS, so I have chosen to include the National Standards for your use.

I. Students demonstrate a sound understanding of the nature and operation of technology systems.

• Use input devices to successfully operate computers, VCRs, audiotapes, and other technologies.
• Use a variety of media and technology resources for directed and independent learning activities.
• Communicate about technology using developmentally appropriate and accurate terminology
• Use developmentally appropriate multimedia resources to support learning.

II. Students understand the ethical, cultural, and societal issues related to technology. Students practice responsible use of technology systems, information, and software. Students develop positive attitudes toward technology uses that support lifelong learning, collaborative, personal pursuits, and productivity.

• Work cooperatively and collaboratively with peers, family members, and others when using technology in the classroom.
• Practice responsible use of technology systems and software.

III. Students use technology tools to enhance learning, increase productivity, and promote creativity. Students use productivity tools to collaborate in constructing technology- enhanced models, preparing publications, and producing other creative works.

• Create developmentally appropriate multimedia products with support from teachers, family members, or student partners.
• Use technology resources for problem solving, communication, and illustration of thoughts, ideas, and stories.
• Use general purpose productivity tools and peripherals to support personal productivity, remediate skills deficits, and facilitate learning throughout the curriculum.
• Use technology tools for individual and collaborative writing, communication, and publishing activities to create knowledge products for audiences inside and outside the classroom.

IV Students use telecommunications to collaborate, publish, and interact with peers, experts, and other audiences. Students use a variety of media and formats to communicate information and ideas effectively to multiple audiences.

• Use telecommunications efficiently and effectively to access remote information, communicate with others in support of direct and independent learning, and pursue personal interests.
• Design, develop, publish, and present products using technology resources that demonstrate and communicate curriculum concepts to audiences inside and outside the classroom.

V. Students use technology tools to locate, evaluate, and collect information from a variety of sources. Students use technology tools process data and report. Students evaluate and select new information resources and technological innovations based on the appropriateness to specific tasks.

• Determine when technology is useful and select the appropriate tools and technology resources to address a variety of tasks and problems.
• Design, develop, publish, and present products using technology resources that demonstrate and communicate curriculum concepts to audiences inside and outside the classroom.

VI. Students use technology resources for solving problems and making informed decisions. Students employ technology in the development of strategies form solving problems in the real world.

• Use technology resources for problem solving, communication, and illustration of thoughts, ideas, and stories.
• Determine when technology is useful and select the appropriate tools and technology resources to address a variety of tasks and problems.
• Evaluate the accuracy, relevance, appropriateness, comprehensiveness, and bias of electronic information sources.
• Use technology resources for problem-solving, self-directed learning, and extended learning activities.