Researching African
Americans Who Made a Difference
(In preparation for "Black
History Month" - 3 week Essay
Project)
Project URL: http://teachersnetwork.org/teachnet-lab/ditmas/nking/afroessays/indexking.htm
How
it works:
This program is designed to teach students research skills needed to
create an essay about a famous African American. This project has
been used to prepare students for "Black History Month" in
February. It is a project that teaches techniques for proper Internet
research, process of drafting and preparing for the final copy. As a
culminating activity, students practice oral presentation skills by
reciting excerpts from their essay at a school-wide "Black History
Month" celebration.
Standards
addressed:
English Language Arts
Students will be able to:
1. Produce a report of information;
2. Produce a narrative account
(autobiographical or biographical);
3. Produce a narrative procedure;
4. Read and comprehend at least two books on
the same subject;
5. Read and comprehend informational
materials;
6. Participate in one-to-one conferences with
the teacher;
7. Participate in group meetings;
8. Prepare and deliver an individual
presentation;
9. Demonstrate an understanding of the rules
of the English language in written and oral work; and
10. Analyze and subsequently revise work to
improve its clarity and effectiveness.
Literature:
1. Respond to non-fiction, using interpretive
and critical processes.
Technology:
(taken
from ISTE standards grade 6-8)
1.
Exhibit legal and ethical behaviors when researching information
using technology, and discuss consequences of misuse.
2.
Use content-specific tools, software, and simulations (e.g., Web tools) to
support learning and research.
3.
Select and use appropriate tools and technology resources to accomplish a
variety of tasks and solve problems.
4.
Research and evaluate the accuracy, relevance, appropriateness,
comprehensiveness, and bias of electronic information sources concerning
real-world problems.
Materials used:
Internet connection, PowerPoint, and word processor.
The students:
This project is designed for middle school (grade 6-8) ESL students with
High-Intermediate language skills. It could also be adapted to any
language arts or social studies class, up to grade 12.
Overall Value:
This project distinguishes itself from traditional
research projects in that students are taught the skills of conducting
research online, taking notes to write an essay in proper format, and
using ideas, text, and graphics to design posters. Oral presentation
skills are also enhanced as the final essay will be read to the school
community during an assembly.
Tips:
Take
the following steps to prep for this project:
1.
Sign up for your own bookmarks page. (e.g.:
Click on "My Page" Link at www.proteacher.com) and
start bookmarking web sites for the students to use.
2. Notify your school librarian to set aside books on famous African
Americans. Set up a schedule with the librarian, when your students can
use the library.
3.
Use my PowerPoint Tutorial
(click here for link) to introduce this
assignment to your class.
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