Annotation:

Let's take a virtual field trip to a the Canadian Museum of Civilization's "Mystery of the Maya" exhibit in Quebec. We'll travel inside the tomb of King Pascal and study the makings of a pyramid. This recreated Mayan settlement will help us understand the mysterious Mayans. Below you will find a site map of all the places to visit during your trip. Okay, Let's fasten our seat belts...

Primary Learning Outcomes:
After visiting this site, the students will be able to write a paragraph about the exhibit. Their writings should include at least five facts they learned about the Mayan Civilization. The students will also draw something they saw during their field trip. The students will read their paragraphs orally to class. After everyone has shared their writings, the class will hold a grand conversation about what we've learned.

Assessed QCC:
Grade 4
    Social Studies
    Strand: Core Social Studies Skills
    29
    Topic: Information Processing
    Standard: Gathers information through a variety of sources

    Grade 4
    Social Studies
    Strand: History
    28
    Topic: Culture
    Standard: Describes and illustrates how periods in history were reflected through music, art,
         and literature.

    Grade 4
    Technology Integration Research
    Strand: Research
    13
    Topic: Research
    Standard: Uses basic research techniques with teacher guidance.

    Grade 4
    Language Arts
    Strand: Writing
    44
    Topic: Writing
    Standard: Uses available technology to assist in writing.

Total Duration:
120 minutes

Materials and Equipment:
1. Computers with Internet access
2. Paper & pencil
3. Markers, crayons, paper.
4. Graphic organizer
5. Assessment rubric

Procedures:
Step One
Students will begin their field trip by accessing the Canadian Museum of Civilization's web site.
They will visit the five sites that are linked from this page and take notes from each of the places on their graphic organizers. The sites are different places at the museum to visit.
Estimated time: 30 minutes

Step Two
The teacher will monitor the students and help them maneuver around the web site. They will be gathering the facts that they will need to write their paragraphs. They should also be looking at the pictures so they will be able to draw something related to their field trip.

Step Three
After completing their graphic organizers, the students will write a paragraph about what they have learned. They will also draw or recreate something from the field trip related to the Mayans.

Step Four
Students will share their writings with the class.

Step Five
The class will hold a grand conversation about what they've learned through this field trip. The teacher will summarize the information and bring closure to the lesson. The students will read their paragraphs and display their artwork in the classroom.
 
 
 

Web Links:
Title: Exhibits on the Plaza
URL: http://www.civilization.ca/civil/maya/mmp01eng.html

Assessment:
The students will be assessed on their paragraphs using the attached rubric.

Extension:
Those students who complete the required writing may add additional paragraphs as time permits.

Accommodations:
Students who lack the necessary computer skills will be paired with students who are able to maneuver around the site.
The teacher will provide additional support to students who have trouble writing their paragraphs.
The students with special needs will write a shorter paragraph.
The students with special needs will be given additional time to complete the assignment.