Mystery State

By Cindy Murcek

 This task will enable the student to learn about a specific state, as well as develop their computer and internet skills.

 Grade Level

Fourth – Fifth grade

Social Science

NSTS 4.1.12

 Integrated Disciplines

Social Sciences

Technology

Language Arts

 Objectives

1.                   The student will be given a set of clues describing a mystery state

2.                 The student will use different search engines on the internet to find the mystery state.

3.                 Students will write a report on the information they found on the state.

Assessment

1.                   Students will be evaluated on their ability to navigate on the internet.

2.                 They will be evaluated on the content of their paper and the spelling and grammar.

Materials/Technologies

Computer and internet accessibility

Maps

 Procedures

1.                   Students will be given clues about a mystery state

2.                 Students will use different search engines to find the clues (see below)

3.                 After state is identified, they will locate it on the classroom map

4.                 Student will write paper and present it to the classroom.

1. Teacher will discuss how to use the internet and search engines.
2.  Teacher will show students how to use maps and globe.
3. Teacher will evaluate written report and presentation to the classroom.

Closure

Students will present findings to the class, and the students will be able to ask questions of each other.

 Explanation

I chose this activity because it is a fun way to learn about the fifty states.  Students will be finding the information themselves, which can  be very gratifying.   

 Student Search Engines

Yahooligan     www.yahooligans.com

Google          www.google.com

Ask Jeeves for kids         www.ajkids.com

The Internet Library       www.ipl.org

Merryellen Towey Schulz, Ph.D.