Explorers Project
Created By:
Mare Staton
Title/Role:
Teacher Librarian
Organization/School Name:
Cornell School
Location:
California
Grade Level:
5 Type of Lesson:
Lesson in a unit Type of Schedule:
Fixed Collaboration Continuum:
Intensive Content Area:
Social studies Content Topic:
Explorers of the Americas Scenario:
This is a collaborative unit created by fifth grade teachers and the School Library Media Specialist. It is designed to illuminate the Age of Exploration of the Americas, a major focus in the California Social Studies Curriculum. The SLMS and teachers will work together to describe the events leading to the Age of Exploration, and give an overview of well known explorers, such as Columbus, Coronado, Drake, Balboa, etc. The students will generate research during a group brainstorming discussion. The SLMS will orient the students to books and websites in the library, while the teachers work with the students on note-taking, and writing skills. Students will work on their map making and rehearse their interviews under the direction of the SLMS. Together, the teachers SLMS and students collaborate to create a grading rubric to use as a final assessment. Overview:
Students will apply the research process for this multiple class unit. They will read about a particular explorer, learn about their aims, challenges and accomplishments, and will trace the routes they followed on maps. As a group, they will generate questions to use during the "Interview with an Explorer" section. Students will gain practice in writing skills to communicate effectively as they create a journal from the Explorer's point of view. Final Product:
Each student will create a 5 page diary, as if written by the explorer they studied. They will make a map to illustrate the route their explorer took. In addition, they will dress up as the Explorer, be interviewed by a classmate, and video-taped, so that all may learn from their research and findings. Library Lesson:
The students will work with the SLMS to become knowledgeable about a particular explorer by selecting and reading a variety of books on the explorer they have chosen. They will visit several websites to collect additional information. They will take notes on the information they have found, will determine whether the information meets their needs, and will learn how to rephrase the text to use their own words. The SLMS will demonstrate how to cite books and websites needed for the Works Cited section of their journals, and will supply worksheets to reinforce this requirement for students to use as they delve into various resources. Estimated Lesson Time:
120 minutes Have you taught this lesson before:
Yes Strategies for differentiation:
The requirements for this unit can be easily modified for students with special needs. While collaborating with the Resource Specialist, we may decide that a special needs student's journal may contain fewer pages. Students may be excused from the interview process. Extended time and closer guidance for research may be necessary. Research questions and rubrics may be adjusted.