Grade Level: 9th grade
Subject: Language Arts/Computer
Objectives:
Students will apply research skills to gather information from the Internet Standars:
TSW demonstrate the ability to gather and evaluate information for its relevance to his or her research questions.
TSW demonstrate the ability to synthesize information from a variety of sources, including those accessed through the use of technology.
Summary:
This lesson is a basic introduction to a student research project. It is designed to familiarize students with various Internet search engines, blogging, and the media center catalog. Students will learn to refine their searches by using effective keywords to find accurate information while journaling (blogging) their results and experience online. Exploring the topics in the scavenger hunt will increase students’ awareness of the wide range of information available on the Internet.
Each student will research the following questions:
Find out what the high and low temperatures will be tomorrow.
Define triskaidekaphobia.
How many lines are in a limerick?
Where can you find career information in the media center catalog?
Who was the last NASCAR driver to win the Winston Cup?
Name a famous author from our state.
Find 2 books on dream interpretation in the media center catalog.
Find 3 funny laws in our state.
In the media center catalog, find the call number for Leslie Baldacci, Inside Mrs. B's Classroom.
Find 2 events at TPAC in Nashville, TN this month.
Who wrote the poem "Jabberwocky"?
What is the high school graduation rate in our state?
Who is running in the 2008 elections?
What NFL team is 5-0 this season?
Students will blog the following discussion questions:
1. Which search engine did you use the most? Why?
2. How did you determine effective keywords for your searches?
3. What were some difficulties you had in finding information?
4. Name 4 resources available to you in the media center catalog.
5. Which resource in the media center catalog do you think will be most helpful to you? Why?
Rational
This scavenger hunt embraces the modern conveniences we have surrounding our youth. It is important to understand there are various ways to find information. It encourages students to utilize the internet beyond its ability of entertainment. Blogging will allow the students to share and contrast information and their experience.
Obstacles:
Every student must have computer access
Every student must have Internet access
Every student must know how blogging works
Students must be able to communicate in a virtual environment and share work
Students must follow netiquette
Students must complete work outside of the classroom
Students must submit work on time