In this unit the students will explore and research the major landmarks and features of a state, then write a persuasive essay (letter/speech) to convince their parent/s that this is the ideal vacation destination. Students will use a variety of intellectual skills to demonstrate their understanding of the geography of the interdependent world in which we live, local, national and global including the distribution of people, places and environments over the Earth's surface.

LIBRARY MEDIA SKILLS OBJECTIVES:

The student will:

Ø      locate and use at least one reference source, online or print

Ø      demonstrate ability to search for the subject.

Ø     organize the selected information onto a chart/data sheet

Ø     use critical thinking skills to analyze and evaluate the information to determine significance and preference for traveling to this particular state

Ø      engage in the writing of a persuasive essay/letter/speech (to convince their family to vacation in this state) which will incorporate the students' research.

 MOTIVATIONAL OBJECTIVES:

The student will:

Ø    become interested in the research process

Ø    understand the importance of information skills

Ø   experience increased confidence in research ability

Ø  understand the value of information skills

Ø  achieve satisfaction in research accomplishments.

Assorted Reference material in the Media Center, On-line Resources, computers, paper, pens

 

 

Books:

The journey of Oliver K. Woodman. Darcy Pattison; illustrated by Joe Cepeda. Harcourt Publishers: San Diego, 2003.

America's landscape   Lynn M. Stone  Rourke Publisher: Vero Beach, Fla. (c. 2003). LCCN 2002-4154   ISBN 1-58952-310-5 (hardcover)

As the crow flies : a first book of maps   Gail Hartman; illustrated by Harvey Stevenson. 1st Aladdin Paperbacks ed. (1993)

Hottest, coldest, highest, deepest   Steve Jenkins. Houghton Mifflin Publisher: Boston, 1998.

 

INSTRUCTIONAL ROLES / ACTIVITIES AND PROCEDURES: 

 

The Library Teacher will read The Journey of Oliver K. Woodman – about a man made of wood, who takes a remarkable journey across America, as told through the postcards and letters of those he meets along the way. Students will discuss the book and the journey.  The Library Teacher will inquire about the traveling experiences of the students.

 

The classroom teacher will introduce the unit and the project: a winning lottery ticket that is to be used towards a family vacation.  The only problem is that it is up to the student to do the research as to where the family should go and why.  Special attention should be paid to where to visit – landmarks and natural features, which cities, what type of weather to expect, and how to get there.

 

The library media specialist will meet with the students to teach them the use of online databases, and other resources for researching. Note-taking tools and techniques will be reviewed. The use of citations will be outlined.

 

The students will begin researching their chosen state. The teacher/s will circulate to assist in researching and note-taking, working with students as needed; checking the drafts towards completion.  They will share their research “product” orally with each other. 

EVALUATION-
The hand-out for collecting data.
Students' "products" will be reviewed.
Students will complete a chart on which pertinent information about the states studied will be compared.

classroom teacher