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Topic Mini-Research Lesson Plan

Title of Lesson: Exploring the World of Dinosaurs

Primary Learning Outcomes (PLOs):
The primary learning outcomes to be achieved with this lesson include:
A. With teacher guidance student will be able to use the computer to research topic information on the Internet. (QCC- Technology Integration- Research- K10)
B. With teacher guidance student will be able to listen to information to gain knowledge.  (GPS- English/Language Arts- Comprehension- ELAKR6)
 

Assessed Standards
Georgia QCC
A. Grade: K
Subject Area: Technology Integration
Strand: Research
10 Topic: Research
Standard: Uses basic research techniques with teacher guidance.

Georgia Performance Standard (GPS)
B. English/Language Arts Performance Standard
Grade: K
Comprehension
ELAKR6:  The student gains meaning from orally presented text. 
a. The student listens to and reads a variety of literary and informational texts and materials to gain knowledge and for pleasure.

Materials and Equipment:
1. Have an example of mini-research real world activity to show students
2. Paper for drawing
3. Crayons and/or color markers
4. Pencil & paper (to make notes for lesson plan assessment and reflections)
5. Modification of a  lesson developed by Dr. Diane L. Judd
 

Technology Connection:
Technologies that will be used in this lesson include:

• Computer with Internet connection. 
• Students will use computers to research information on the Internet.  
• Copy of my Topic Mini-Research Web page included with this lesson plan. 
• Topic Mini-Research Web page Title: Exploring the World of Dinosaurs &  URL: http://www.valdosta.edu/~djudd/topic.html

Procedures:
Step One: Introduction
Have a small group of students go to a computer.  Explain to students that you are going to use the computer to find out information about dinosaurs.  List 2 or more questions that introduce students to your Topic Mini-Research that establish a connection to students' prior knowledge by asking them:
1. "Have you ever studied or read a book about dinosaurs?" 
2. "Can you tell me something that you know about dinosaurs?"  
Today we are going to learn about dinosaurs by visiting websites on the Internet and we will do an interesting activity.  I have made a special Web page for your class.  (During discussion have students turn around away from the computer to interact.)

Estimated Time for Step One:
5 minutes

Step Two Teaching the Primary Learning Outcomes:
(Have students sit at the computer where they can control the mouse and computer.)  (Explain to students the process of the lesson:)  After we visit several websites about dinosaurs then you will pretend to be a reporter for the National Weekly Reader and draw a picture tell some interesting facts about dinosaurs. 

Check for understanding
Have students explore and discuss the information in each of your four linked topic websites.  Ask students guiding questions about the important concepts in each of the visited websites.   List at least one question for each of your four linked topic websites.
1.  List question for understanding
2.  List question for understanding
3.  List question for understanding
4.  List question for understanding

Practice and feedback related to the PLO
Read the real-world activity to students.  Explain to students that they are going to be reporters for their class and find out information about dinosaurs.   Tell the students that the information that they will need to complete their real-world project is listed and connected in the real-world activity.  Visit website for information for real-world project.  Discuss the information in the linked website in the real-world activity with the students to emphasize interesting and important information students will need to complete mission project.

[Students will write (or dictate to teacher) information to be included in the articles and draw pictures for the mission project.  While students are completing real-world project, teacher will observe students and give assistance when needed.]

Mini-Research Real World Activity     You are a reporter for The National Weekly Reader.  The editor, your boss, has given you a special assignment.  You get to ride the "Time Capsule" back to the Ages of the Dinosaurs.      Your editor wants you to tell about your trip and report on 2 dinosaur time periods for your article.  You will need to describe the 2 dinosaur periods and compare their types of dinosaurs and environments.       In addition, your editor wants you to draw a picture of each of the dinosaur periods to put with your article in The National Weekly Reader.         The Topic Mini-Research Page has some links you might want to stop at in your Time Capsule for dinosaur information. The Dinosaur Worlds website tells about dinosaurs during different periods of time.  Have a Good Trip! Mission Steps 1. Explore with your teacher Dinosaur Worlds for information to write article and draw pictures for The National Weekly Reader. 2. Write or describe to your teacher 2 dinosaur periods and compare their types of dinosaurs and environments for your article.  3. Add the drawings of the 2 dinosaur periods to your article. 4. Give your article and drawings to your teacher to scan and publish on the Internet.

Step Three
Closure:
After students have completed their real world activity, have students discuss their products and tell about some information they found on the linking topic websites.  Tell students that your Topic Mini-Research page is on the Internet and they can visit the website at school or home.  Explain to students that you are going to put their pictures and information on the Internet and they will be able to share their real-world activity with their friends and family.  (If possible teacher should take brief notes during the lesson and concluding discussions to be added later to the assessment and reflections in lesson plan.)

Estimated Time for Step Three:
5 minutes

Accommodation:
Links for Accommodations for Special Students
1. After completing the contextual factors for your class, select one of your students that needs special attention.  Describe the student in your class with special needs. (Do not use the student's real name.  You could refer to the student as "the special student.")  Describe your student and his or her needs.

2. Explain what you would add to this lesson plan to accommodate your special student?  Explain what you would add to this lesson to accommodate your special student.

*********     To here for lesson plan evaluation.  Below information will be evaluated after teaching your lesson.  **********

Assessment the Primary Learning Outcomes (PLOs)
A. Technology Integration 
Student will be assessed through observation while using the computer with teacher guidance to do research on the Internet for topic information.
(QCC- Technology Integration- Research- K10)

B. English/Language Arts
Student will be assessed through observation and oral discussion to evaluate if student with teacher guidance is able to listen to information to gain knowledge.
(GPS- English/Language Arts- Comprehension- ELAKR6)

Evaluation of Students

Comments & Reflections:

1. Comment on your teaching of how your Topic Mini-Research lesson created learning experiences and activities that implemented the use a variety of resources and technologies.  (* To receive full credit description must include a minimum of two sentences and a detailed example.)

2. State evidence to show that your students gained knowledge during your Topic Mini-Research lesson.  (* To receive full credit description must include a minimum of two sentences and a detailed example.)

3. Give at least one suggestion that would lead to improving your teaching practices and student achievement.  (* To receive full credit description must include a minimum of two sentences and a detailed example.)