Household Product Research

Course(s)/Subject(s): English

Grade Level(s):8

Key Words: English Research Paper, Inventions, "Ordinary Things"

Developer(s) Name:Sharon Banscher

School: Washington Irving Middle School

Attached Files:"Ordinary Things"

Approximate Time Frame:two/three weeks

Materials/Equipment Needed:computer for each student; Internet access; ClarisWorks

Description of Lesson (includes context):
Using the Internet, students will investigate the history, inventor, refinements, manufacturers, distribution and price ranges of ordinary household products. They will prepare a multi-paragraph research paper with bibliography, and make an oral presentation of their findings.

LESSON OUTLINE

1. What is the objective of this lesson?
   To use the resources of the Internetto do research on a specific "ordinary thing" found in
   the home or office. To use notetaking skills to record data gathered, synthesize
   information, and produce a research paper, using word processing skills to compose, edit,
   revise, and publish the product. To summarize students' research experience and findings
   in oral presentation.

FCPS POS Standards: 1 - 6

FCPS POS Benchmarks: 8.1-1;8.2-1, 2, 4;8.3-1, 2, 3;8.4- 1, 2, 4;8.5-1, 2, 3; 8.6-1

FCPS POS Indicators: 8.1-1; 8.2-1, 2, 4; 8.3-1, 2, 3; 8.4-1, 2, 4;8.5-1, 2, 3; 8.6-1

VA SOL(s) (including Computer/Technology): SOL C/T 8.1; 8.4; 8.5; 8.6

Other: None

EVIDENCE

2. What will we examine as evidence of students' knowledge and/or skill?

Product(s): multi-paragraph research paper with bibliography
Performance(s):use of computer technology for research and preparation of a
mechanically correct paper using ClarisWorks; oral presentation

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Other: accurate note taking, writing process

DIRECTIONS

3. What exactly will the students and teacher do during the lesson?

Directions to students for proceeding with the lesson

1. Students will choose an "ordinary thing."
2. Using the Internet, students will research requirementsofthe research paper.
3. Students will record information gained and site identification for bibliography.
4. Students will organize information gained, preparing a first draft of multi-paragraph
   research paper.
5. Students will edit and revise the first draft to prepare a final product with bibliography.
6. Students will present a2-3 minute oral presentation using the information included in
   their written paper.

Directions to teacher/administrator using the lesson?

1. Teacher should verify in advance that sites suggested to students remain active.
2. "Ordinary Things" list of options may be updated and expanded.
3. Teacher monitoring of site visitations by students as they explore sites.

APPROPRIATE ACCOMMODATIONS/MODIFICATIONS

4. What options in presentation(s) and/or response(s) are suggested in order to provide the opportunity for all students to demonstrate achievement of the benchmark(s) and indicator(s)?

Additional time for research may be granted.
Alternate "ordinary thing" invention to reflect student interest.
Length and complexity modifications to paper preparation of a visualdisplay may be
substituted for an oral presentation .

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