Mesoamerican Cultures, Technology, Electronic Research

Students will gain an understanding of the Aztec, Mayan or Incan cultures by working in pairs, locating relevant information using the Internet and databases and sharing the content with their classmates with presentation software.

Social Studies teacher will provide content of the lesson; School Librarian will instruct students on how to locate reliable Internet sources, perform effective searches using databases and demonstrate how to use OurStory.

45 minutes

3

OurStory, Handouts, Databases, Internet websites

Northrup, Mary. (2001). Web site evaluation checklist. Book Report, 20(2), 48. Retrieved from Library Literature & Information Full Text database.

 

Direct Instruction:

Day 1:  Librarian will perform searches on selected databases and the Internet.  Handouts will be given to students highlighting search strategies for database and website evaluation to compile credible articles and photographs for OurStory. 

Day 2:  Librarian will demonstrate how to use OurStory.  A short tutorial handout will be given to students to assist them in creating their OurStory presentations.  Students will begin working in pairs. 

Day 3:  Students will present their OurStory projects and exchange feedback. 

Modeling and Guided Practice: Students will perform their own searches online with the Internet and databases and locate at least 2 database articles and 2 Internet articles relevant to coursework.  Social Studies teacher and librarian will monitor students’ progress and offer assistance if needed.  Librarian will demonstrate the use of OurStory and how it is relevant to their coursework. 

Independent Practice: 

Students will create their own timelines using the information acquired through class, Internet and databases. 

Sharing and Reflecting: 

Day 3, Students will present their timelines to the class and learn about the different Spanish Cultures by taking notes and asking their classmates questions. 

 

Social Studies teacher