This history based lesson was designed for fifth and sixth grade students to practice using research skills while learning about New York State. Using other states’ brochures as guides, students will use information found on the internet and in print to create their own brochure of New York State.

Instructional Goals:

• Students will be able to access information in order to successfully complete their assignment.
• Students will learn information about New York State.
• Using information located during their search, students will create a brochure.

 

Learning Objectives:

• Students will successfully access information from the internet and/or print resources that pertain to New York State.
• Students will correctly complete a handout where they have to fill in information about New York State.
• Students will create a brochure that contains information about New York State.

 

Motivational Goals:

• Generate interest in the research process.
• Build student’s confidence in their ability to use resources effectively.
• Promote student’s satisfaction in their research accomplishments.
• Gain confidence in processing information to fill an information need.
• Motivate students to continue to use information skills after the lesson.

New York State Map

World Map

KWL chart

State Brochures

Handout [see Supporting Files]

Chart Paper

Markers

Computers

Printer

Art supplies

Rubric [see Supporting Files]

 

Web Sites

http://www.dos.state.ny.us/kids_room/index.html

http://www.enchantedlearning.com/usa/states/newyork/

http://www.americaslibrary.gov/cgi-bin/page.cgi/es

http://www.50states.com/newyork.htm

http://www.ipl.org/youth/stateknow/ny1.html

Introduction

 

Day 1

1. As students enter the library, the outline of New York State will be displayed on the wall. Students will be asked to identify it by name.
2. Once it is identified correctly, students will point out the location of New York State on the world map.
3. Students will share what they know about New York State and ask questions about what they would like to find out. This information will be recorded by the LMS on a KWL chart.

 

Body

1. Inform students that they will be researching information about New York State using the internet and print materials.  They will use this information to create a brochure.
2. Explain what a brochure is and pass out several examples brochures from other states that students can look at.
3. Point out what each brochure has in common, and what types of things they include as a whole.
4. Tell students that their brochure should not only tell others about New York State, but make it sound interesting enough to make them want to visit!
5. Distribute a handout showing the information they will need to locate about New York State while doing their research. All requirements for their brochure will be explained and displayed on chart paper at this time.
6. Bookmarked websites will be shown to and discussed briefly with the class.
7. Guidelines for using the printer will be established.
8. After pointing out the available print materials, students will be paired up with a partner and sent to the computers to start their research.
   
9. As students begin finishing up their handouts, they will move to the table area where art supplies will be available for them to make their brochures.

 

Conclusion

1. When time is up, students will share one or two interesting pieces of information from their brochure, and show it to the rest of the class.
2. Time for comments and/or questions will be given.
3. LMS will summarize the lesson.

-Observe students' ability to access internet and print resources.
-Completed handout will demonstrate students' knowledge of New York State Information.
-Completed brochure will show students' understanding of the lesson's task.
-Students' participation and excitement will demonstrate their confidence in learning research skills.