LIBRARY MEDIA SKILLS OBJECTIVES The student will: -use the card or automated catalog to locate works on attractions and sites in Washington D.C.

-use traditional reference sources such as atlases, almanacs, encyclopedias, indexes, and the Internet to research related subject matter.

-use reference sources to find a mailing address to write for further information.

-use different computer programs to organize and create: a travel brochure, a multimedia computer presentation, or a word-processed report to be evaluated as a final project.

CURRICULUM OBJECTIVES: Social Studies - The students will:

-identify, locate, and label their site/attraction on a map of Washington, D.C.

-briefly describe the location, history, and important background information of the attraction/topic.

-present information as to why this attraction is unique and interesting.

-determine the visiting hours that this site/attraction is accessible.

-determine the cost of visiting the site/attraction (on a per person basis). Language Arts

- students will -collect pertinent information from a variety of sources.

-find the address of an agency and write a business letter to that agency to obtain further information.

-prepare a one- to two-minute informative talk on their slelected topic, using the information they have gathered.

-collect further information on their topic during the trip.

-organize all gathered information into a final project. Computer Education

- students will:

-prepare a final presentation using a word processing program, a multimedia program, or a publication program (or any combination there of).

-import, scan, or copy at least one map and photograph, picture, or graphic in the presentation.

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.

INSTRUCTIONAL ROLES

-The social studies and language arts teachers work together on this unit. The main assignment comes through the language arts teacher while the library media specialist concentrates on instruction and assistance with the research process. The computer teacher acts as consultant and supervisor in the computer lab when beginning the technical process of putting the project into its final stage.

ACTIVITIES AND PROCEDURES FOR COMPLETION -A field trip to Washington D.C. can create much anticipation and excitement. The social studies teacher begins to prepare the class for the trip. Audiovisual resources may be used to introduce the students to some of the sights and attractions they may expect to see. Historical information and maps are used to emphasize various aspects of touring D.C. The itinerary from the previous year's trip will also help the students recognize sites. -The project is conducted in several phases

1)Students choose a topic of interest from a list handed out by the teacher or get approval on another topic from the language arts teacher.

2)Students use research skills in the library media center, public library, or on a home computer to find information on a topic (site or attraction) in Washington D.C. and make note cards.

3) Students use research skills to find the address of an agency that will provide further information and write a business letter to that agency practicing correct form and using proper grammar and rules of writing.

4)Students find a map of the D.C. area that includes the location of the site or attraction

5)Students orgainze the information for a one- to two-minute informative talk on the topic to present to the class.

6)Students take a picture while on the trip and gather any other pertinent information (notes or brochures).

7)Students organize all materials into a multimedia presentation using a program such as 'Hyperstudio," a brochure using a publication program such as 'Pagemaker,' or a word-processed written report. All of the above must include: a map, a graphic or photograph, the hours the attraction is open, the cost, and background information. -The students work on projects during language arts class and study halls. The library media specialist will review where information on topics may be found. Lessons on use of atlases, almanacs, encyclopedias, books, electronic catalogs and the Internet are reviewed. The library media specialist, with the computer education teacher from the computer lab, will act as consultants and also introduce and or review some of the techniques necessary for putting together a computer presentation. -Students will be evaluated as each section of the assignment is completed. The informative talk will be presented to the class prior to the trip. The final projects will be presented two weeks after the trip.

FOLLOW-UP -The presentations, brochures, and reports can be kept by the library media specialist to aid future student travelers. -Students can write a short commentary on their reaction to their site or attraction based on their research and their actual experiences. -The teachers and library media specialist may compose a crossword puzzle including all the topics used in class to reinforce information shared during the project.