State Research
Overview
This project encourages students to delve into database research (this lesson plan uses CultureGrams and TrueFlix, but any database could be substituted). Students will research a state, find facts and pay attention to syllables and rhythm so that their words fit into the song 12 Days of Christmas written by Frederic Austin. Students will also search for images with Creative Common licenses as well as learn how to copy, paste, and format images (bring to front, etc).
Lesson Plans
Week 1: Introduce the Project
As students walk in, have the 12 Days of Christmas by Frederic Austin playing in the background.
Introduce the 12 Days of South Dakota project by sharing my teacher example. Display the notecards of what I learned from my research. Tape them to the whiteboard. Then, begin by singing the Twelve Days of Florida (arranging the notecards as new information is presented in the song). Example.
Reiterate how I used the research I found to create the song -- I didn’t just make up the information!
Then using ClassLink, log in to TrueFlix. Click My United States. Click South Dakota. Demonstrate how to find information about SD to put into the song. Use the Computer, Wonder, Notecard graphic organizer.
Week 2: Database Research: Culturegrams (through ClassLink)
Students will need to bring Chromebooks for this lesson. Email teachers.
Review the project. Show the Graphic Organizer. Remind students that they need to decide as a team the items they want in their song -- everyone should agree, or at least compromise!
Jobs: 1) Recorder (writer) 2) Tech Expert (Chromebook) 3) Peacekeeper (including everyone’s ideas)
Today’s research goal: At least half of the days researched (6). Teams will work for the majority of the class period.
Teams will use ONE chromebook for research -- the others are extras in case of battery or log in issues.
Jobs: (1) Chromebook (2) Recorder/Writer (3) Compromise Specialist
Week 3: Research
Students will need to bring Chromebooks for this lesson. Email teachers.
Review the project. Show the Graphic Organizer. Remind students that they need to decide as a team the items they want in their song -- everyone should agree, or at least compromise! All 12 days should be done at the end of class today.
Remind students of the jobs. These can be the same as last week, or they can switch it up today
Jobs: 1) Recorder (writer) 2) Tech Expert (Chromebook) 3) Peacekeeper (including everyone’s ideas)
Teams will use ONE chromebook for research -- the others are extras in case of battery or log in issues.
Week 4 and 5 if needed: Working Collaboratively in Google Slides, Typing
MAKE AN EXTRA COPY (OR 2) OF THE NOTES SO EVERYONE HAS THEIR OWN TO USE TO TYPE
Student Google Slides Template.
Open up the Drive (triangle symbol on Chromebook)
Click on Shared With Me folder
Show students how to access the Google Slides
Remind students that everyone can be working at one time today.
WE ARE TYPING TODAY -- NOT IMAGES
IMPORTANT: BE CAREFUL WITH THE BACKSPACE KEY! Once deleted, it is very difficult to retrieve.
Week 6: Images
Students will finish their 12 Days of South Dakota Google Slides. All 12 days need to be done by the end of class.
Briefly review copyright images. Students will find pictures in Google Images. Before searching, students must select: Tools and then change ALL to Creative Common Licenses.
Discuss: how to copy and paste images. If possible, give credit!
Show students how to use the Order function to move the pheasant on top of the Black Hills spruce tree.
Review the three steps to completing a slide:
1--type 2--look for errors 3--insert image
Students might still need help with copying and pasting. Remind students that the copy command (Control C) is a hidden command--it tells the computer’s brain what to do. The paste command (Control V) is what actually makes a duplicate image
Week 7: Presentation Day!
Students can choose to do a “solo” presentation -- they sing it for the class or a sing along (where we all sing the song with them).