Lesson 1
OH REALLY!  IS THAT A FACT?

 
 

Not everything in the newspaper is 100% fact!

Grade Level:  5 - 6

Subjects:  Language Arts, Computer Technology, Social Studies

Learner Outcomes:
·    The student will locate and read articles from at least three different newspapers on the Internet.
·    The student will read at least three editorials and distinguish between fact and opinion.
·    Using Microsoft Word the student will compile a list of at least 10 facts and 10 opinions     from the online newspaper articles.
·    The students will learn to use tab setting on the computer.
·    The student will demonstrate the use of spell check on the computer.

Duration of Lesson:  Two 45 minute periods

Materials: paper, teacher created evaluation form

Technology Tools/Courseware:  Computer, Internet access, Microsoft Word, Printer

Teacher Notes:  The teacher may give a brief review of fact versus opinion.  A fact is something that can be proven.  An opinion is a judgment on the part of the speaker or writer.

Procedures:
1.    The teacher will discuss fact versus opinion with the class.
2.    Divide the class into groups of 3 or 4.
3.    The students will locate on the Internet at least three different newspapers from three different cities and read editorials and other articles.
4.    The students, working collaboratively, will list 10 facts and 10 opinions found in the articles they read.
5.    The teacher will give directions for using Microsoft Word incorporating spell check and using tabs to make lists.
6.    The facts and opinions will be typed in Microsoft Word using tabs and spell check.
7.    The students will present their findings to the class and discuss.

Modifications:
·    Peer tutoring, group students heterogeneously

Enrichment Activities:
·    Invite a speaker to the classroom from a local newspaper office.
·    Invite a local author, if available.

Evaluation/Assessment:
Students will be given an opportunity to evaluate themselves with the supervision of the teacher.  Individual students will complete an evaluation form developed by the teacher.

West Virginia Standards:
Language Arts: 5.8, 5.12, 5.16, 6.6, 6.12, 6.20, 6.24, 6.33, 6.43, 6.44, 6.67

Computer Technology: 5.17, 5.181, 5.183, 6.153, 6.154, 6.155

Social Studies: 5.12, 5.20, 5.32, 6.57

National Standards:
Language Arts:
    Standard 5. Uses the general skills and strategies of the reading process.
Computer Technology:
    Standard 1. Knows the characteristics and uses of computer hardware and operating
    systems.
    Standard 2. Knows the characteristics and uses of computer software programs.
Social Studies
  United States History:
    Standard 31. Understands economic, social, and cultural developments in the
    contemporary United States.
  World History:
    Standard 46. Understands long-term changes and recurring patterns in world history.

References:
    Fisher, Marian.  NIE Activities Guide, The Dominion Post. Fairmont, West Virginia,
    2001-02, p.9
   Unit Resource Page.