Students will study musicians and artists of the Harlem Renaissance in order to gain an understanding of the period and its important figures.

Objectives:

 

Teach and reinforce print and online research skills, including:

• use of print resources (locating books, using indices)
• use of online resources (keyword searching, source evaluation)
• note taking
• citations.

Students will produce creative writing and essays about their chosen artist or musician. Students will produce podcasts about their subject.
 

• Nonfiction and reference collection;
• Online resources, including LibGuides pathfinder, databases, and websites;
• Computers loaded with Audacity software; headset microphones.
  

Day 1: Teacher and librarian will introduce topic by giving a broad outline of the unit, their expectations, and the timeline for the unit. Students will be given a list of suggested figures to focus on and will be given time to browse the print collection in order to choose a person.

 

Day 2: Librarian will introduce the print resources, the LibGuides pathfinder, and online databases. Students will begin their research.

 

Days 3,4,5: Students will conduct their research in the library.

 

Day 6: Students will be introduced to podcasts. They will listen to sample podcasts and be given the instructions for what to include in their podcasts.

 

Days 7, 8, 9: students will be given class time to write. Students who need to finish up research can also use this time.

 

Day 10: Librarian will teach students how to use Audacity software.

 

Days 11 and 12: Students will record and edit their podcasts.

 

Days 13 and 14: Class Podfest! Students will listen to podcasts and invite other students and staff to listen as well. Final projects will be posted on the library website.

Teacher and librarian will develop a rubric for evaluation. Teacher will evaluate written work as well as podcasts.

LMS and 7th or 8th grade teacher