Students will explore Colonial America through a variety of resources: print and non print. After exploring the past, they will proceed to compare it to the present. NOTE: Relevance is created in this lesson by allowing students choice in the research topics. A mini-lesson on note-taking skills also helps to build confidence that they are equipped to explore the varied resources.

-Students will be able to use and understand the purpose of Contents and Index -Students will be able to select appropriate sources to locate information -Students will gather and distinguish pertinent facts and organize information. -Student can use note taking skills in collecting information -Students will demonstrate the use of primary sources -Students will understand the value of cooperative learning

A large variety of non fiction books on Colonial America. Websites, preferably with pictures.

-Students will be immersed in non fiction books on the colonies. They will work in groups to list their noticings of life during this time. -Based on their observations, students will list topics they want to research on chart paper. -Mini lesson on non fiction vs fiction -Students will select the colony they want to research. -Notes will be on looseleaf paper on a T chart: Past and Present will be the headings. -Mini lesson on notetaking -Research materials will be introduced: non fiction, encyclopedias, internet. Mini lesson on the use of contents and index -Students will be working cooperatively -Students will do research in the library for approximately seven days. -The classroom teacher and LMS will monitor appropriate facts throughout the research. -Upon completion of the research, the students will learn how to use a powerpoint presentation and type their T charts.

Students will write reports using print and nonprint material to create a comparison between colonial days and the present. They will present the information through a powerpoint presentation.

Renny Santos, classroom teacher