Learner Outcomes:

• The student will learn to write and edit a letter of request.
• The student will write to a predetermined college to ask for information.
• The student will pinpoint on a West Virginia map the location of the college and place a "flag" when a response has been received.
• The student will take a Virtual Tour of a college.

Duration of Lesson:    Three 45 minute class periods

Materials:

    List of West Virginia Colleges
    Envelopes
    Stamps
    West Virginia Map
    Straight pins
    Labels
    Paper/pens

Technology Tools/Courseware:
    Multi-media computers
    Printer
    Office 2000
    Internet

Teacher Notes:
    The list of WV colleges can be found in the Fairmont State Gear-up site under the student section:
   http://www.fscwv.edu/gearup/college.html

Procedures:

First Period:

    1.  The teacher and students will review proper letter writing skills.
    2.  Students will pick the name of a college to write for information from out of a "hat".
    3.  Students will write a rough draft of a letter of request to their college.

Second Period:
    1.  Students will revise and edit their rough copies.
    2.  Students will type their final copy.
    3.  The teacher and students will review the proper way of addressing an envelope.
    4.  Students will address and stamp their envelope.

Third Period:
    1.  Students will access the internet at www.embark.com
    2.  Students will work through
        Why go to college?
        What are college choices?
        What are basics for choosing a college?
    3.  Students will access www.CampusTours.com/ and take  a Virtual tour of a college of choice.
 

Modifications:

        1.    The teacher will modify the lesson to meet student's IEP. (Individual Educational Program and/or special needs).
        2.    Assign a student to assist peers needing additional help.

Enrichment Activities:
        1.  Students will email the college of their choice for additional information.
        2.  Students will select a site for a college of interest outside of West Virginia.

Evaluation/Assessment
 

• Copy of letter written
• Information received from colleges

English/Language Arts:
7.164, 7.170, 7.172, 7.51, 7.65, 7.60, 8.48, 8.49, 8.51, 8.58, 8.63, 8.64, 8.147, 8.151, 8.152, 8.154

Careers:
1.1, 1.2, 2.1, 2.2
 
 

National Standards

Language Arts:
    Writing
    1.  Uses the general skills and strategies of the writing process.
    2.  Uses grammatical and mechanical conventions in written compositions.

Technology:
    1.  Knows the characteristics and uses of computer software programs.

Careers
    1.  Uses various information sources, including those of a technical nature, to accomplish tasks.
    2.  Makes effective use of basic tools.
    3.  Pursues specific jobs (colleges).
 

References:

GearUp
U. S.  News Online
American Universities
Embark
Campus Tours
 
 

Authors:   Brian Bailey, Donna Contic, Mary Thorn

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