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Earth Day: Learn about the Rain Forests
Description:
The students will use an encyclopedia to locate information on a selected animal, then write a paragraph based on notes taken in the library media center and complete a drawing of the animal.This lesson is designed to build student confidence in achieving the learning requirements and provide satisfaction through the completion of a finished product.
Goals & Objectives:
LIBRARY MEDIA SKILLS OBJECTIVES

The student will:
-use an encyclopedia index to locate an article about a selected animal
-locate the article in the appropriate encyclopedia
-take notes to answer questions
-cite the reference used.
-describe a rain forest animal
-identify the animal's habitat, enemies, and diet
-discuss an interesting fact about the animal
-write a paragraph based on notes taken in the library media center
-follow the classroom method of writing
-draw a rain forest animal with oil pastels and an acrylic finish

MOTIVATIONAL OBJECTIVES:

The student will:
-become interested in the research process.
-understand the importance of information skills.
-experience increased confidence in research ability
-understand the value of information skills.
-achieve satisfaction in research accomplishments.
Materials & Sources:
Resource List Notetaking Form
 
Credits:
Authors: Janice Johnson, Sandi Cunningham, and Frances Cobb
Adapted by Kori Gerbig, School of Information Studies
Syracuse University
Sources:
School Library Media Activities Monthly
April 1996; 12(8); 21-23
 
Procedures:

INSTRUCTIONAL ROLES

  1.         The classroom teacher, art teacher, and library media specialist will plan and schedule together.

  2.          The art teacher will introduce rain forest animals to students through pictures and introduce the technique of using oil pastels.            

  3.         The library media specialist will introduce the research project in   each third grade classroom with the class divided into two groups. Each group will visit the library media center for one half hour for three days. The teacher will oversee the writing of the final draft.


ACTIVITIES AND PROCEDURES FOR COMPLETION

  1. The school wide celebration of Earth Day will begin for third graders in art class. The art teacher will show pictures of rain forest animals, and demonstrate ways to draw animals with oil pastels.
  2. The library media specialist will introduce index, volume, number, and guide words. The students will then locate articles on the selected animals in an encyclopedia index, choose the correct encyclopedia volume, and find the article. 

3.      On the second visit to the library media center, the library media specialist will explain how to take notes. The student will answer the questions on a note taking sheet (see Support Materials).

4.      The library media specialist will explain citing the reference, and the students will cite the encyclopedia sources on the note taking sheet and on the final rough draft.

5.      On the third day, the students will write a rough draft based on the notes from the note taking sheets.

6.      The classroom teacher will oversee the writing of the final draft.

 

FOLLOW-UP:-The pictures can be displayed in the halls, cafeteria, and library media center along with the paragraphs. Rain forest books should be featured in the library media center.

Assessment:
Evaluate notetaking sheets, final paragraphs and paintings.
Sources:
School Library Media Activities Monthly April 1996; 12(8); 21-23
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Presented By: School Library Media Activities Monthly
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