"Let’s Go Exploring for Gold in Mexico"

Grade Level: 7

Subjects:  Language Arts, Geography

Learner Outcomes:
Students will have a more in-depth knowledge of the climate and weather patterns of Mexico by using technology to research these topics.

Duration of Lesson:  One 45 minute class session

Materials:
Copy of textbook, questions and pencil for each student, Chocolate money candy pieces wrapped in gold foil.

Technology Tools/Courseware:

  •  Internet ready computer
Teacher Notes:
  •  Reserve media center/success lab in advance
  •  Have a list of questions about the weather of Mexico prepared in advance.
  •  Check to see that all students have turned in their Acceptable Use Policy.
  •  Monitor during assignment to insure that the students remain on task.
Procedures:
  •  Introduce the lesson by reading about the climate of Mexico from their textbook. 
  •  Distribute the copies of “Treasure Hunting in Mexico”.
  •  List designated Web sites for research.
  •  Give students instructions:  They are to use the given Web sites to find the            answers to  the questions they have been given.
Modifications: 
Follow modifications indicated on the students’ IEPs.

Enrichment:
Have students research and create a climate map of Mexico.

Evaluation/Assessment:
Check each question for accuracy.  Give the students the opportunity to go back and correct wrong answers.  When each student achieves 100% on the questionnaire about the climate and weather patterns of Mexico reward them with a piece of gold (chocolate candy).

State and National Standards:

     Geography:  7.59, 7.68, 7.20, 7.25, 7.31, 
     Language Arts:  7.3, 7.52      Geography:
        8 - The characteristics and spatial distribution of ecosystems on Earth’s surface.

     Language Arts: 
        4 - Gathers and uses information for research purposes
        7 -  Uses reading skills and strategies to understand and interpret a variety
               of informational texts

References:


 

Authors: 
Christy Hunt and Brenda Shumate
Gary Elementary School
McDowell County
West Virginia, USA
 
 
 
 
Overview
Lesson 1
Lesson 2
Lesson 3
Lesson 4
Lesson 5