Grade Level:  6-8

Subjects: Language Arts, Social Studies

Learner Outcomes:  Students will be given the opportunity to:

• use correct research practices
• search the Internet
• design a Power Point presentation
• design a web page

Materials:

• paper
• pencil

computer with Internet access

Microsoft Power Point or other presentation software

Netscape Composer or other web page design software

printer

Microsoft Power Point tutorial

web page tutorial

The primary focus of this lesson is the technology applications learned and applied.  The content of the research is secondary.  This lesson can have a multidisciplined approach in regards to flexible scheduling of students' time.

• Students will be assigned to work in groups of 3.
• All students will visit the U.S. War and Conflict History Site and Veterans and Military Site.
• In their group, students will choose an American conflict to research.
• Students will gather information from the Internet about their conflict.
• Students will take notes from their research information.
• Students will design a Power Point presentation about their conflict.
• Students will design a web page about their conflict.
• Students will orally critique each others' Power Point presentations, looking for the strengths and stretches.
• Students will randomly critique three web page designs using the prepared rubric.

• Students who have prior knowledge of how to design a Power Point presentation or how to make a web page can be a valuable resource for these lessons.  The composition of each group should have at least one technology "expert".  Modifications are to be made to meet the student's IEP.

• Students could print a paper copy of their Power Point presentations and make a book to be placed in the library.
• Students could design a front page of a newspaper depicting their American conflict and heroes.

• Completion and presentation of the Power Point
• Completion of the web page and the rubric

Language Arts

6.3, 6.4, 6.6, 6.153
7.2, 7.5, 7.7, 7.163
8.2, 8.145

Social Studies

6.34, 6.35, 6.50, 6.51, 6.59, 6.60

Historical Understanding

• Understands the historical perspective

Language Arts

• Gathers and uses information for research purposes
• Demonstrates competence in speaking and listening as tools for learning

Technology

• Knows the characteristics and uses of computer hardware and operating systems
• Knows the characteristics and uses of computer software programs
• Understands the nature of technological design

Thinking and Reasoning

• Applies decision-making techniques

Working With Others Standards

• Contributes to the overall effort of a group
• Displays effective interpersonal communication skills

References:

U.S. War & Conflict History Site
Veterans and Military Site
Power Point tutorial
web page tutorial
rubric
History Channel

John Richmond
Darlene Milam
Patty Waldeck

Horace Mann Middle School
301 43rd Street SE
Charleston, WV 25304
304-348-1971

Overview

Lesson 1

Lesson 2

Lesson 3

Lesson 4

Lesson 5