Brief Description

After evaluating what a good movie is, students review the novels they have read throughout the year and decide which one will make a good movie.  Students are assessed through a business letter informing Walt Disney or Universal Studios why they should make this novel into a movie.

Standards and Frameworks

Technology Standards

• 3T-E2. Use a variety of technology tools for data collection and analysis
• 5T-E1. Locate information from electronic resources

• WE-1.  Use correct spelling, punctuation, capitalization, grammar and usage, along with varied sentence structure and paragraph organization to complete effectively a variety of writing tasks.

Academic

By the end of the lesson student will be able to analyze what makes a good movie, evaluate sixth grade novels, and compose a business letter to persuade a Walt Disney or Universal Studios to produce a movie of their chosen novel.

Technological

By the end of the lesson student will be able to use a variety of technology tools for data collection and locate information from electronic resources.

Pre-Requisite Technology Skills

• Internet research skills
• Word Processing skills

• One computer for each student with Internet access
• Novels for the students to view
• Television
• AverKey

Gifted – Students are able to complete the enrichment section of the Essential Question Module, pick a novel that they have read independently, or have them create a scene with a digital camera and produce it on iMovie (or other movie producing software).

SEI – Have the students compose a list of reasons instead of a letter, write the letter in their native language, or have them draw pictures explaining what the script would look like.

Resource – Students can work with the novels or short stories that they have read, work in pairs so they can discuss the novels, or provide a template for the students to draft their business letter on.

Procedures

1. Throughout the year students have read several novels as a class.  This activity lets the students reflect on the novels to decide which one would make a good movie.
2. Introduce the lesson by asking, ”What makes a good movie?” List the features on the board.
3. Explain to the students that they will be completing an Essential Question Module (similar to a WebQuest) that will allow them to research and survey the class on what makes a good movie, choose which novel that they have read this year that would make the best movie, and finally creating a business letter explaining why.
4. Brainstorm with the students of all the novels and short stories that they have read in the year.
5. Pass out the survey and allow the students 8 minutes to survey 5 students. (Print the survey from the Essential Question Module page 3)
6. Gather information as a class on what the class thinks makes a good movie.
7. Show the students the module http://www.amphi.com/~sgilbert/question/index.html on the television using the AverKey especially if this is the first time doing an Essential Question Module.
8. Click through all the components describing each as they go.
9. Ask if they have any questions.
10. Allow the students to go to the computer lab and complete the Essential Question Module.
11. Follow each step, The Question, The Task, The Student Activity, The Assessment Activity, and if there is time The Enrichment Activity.
12. Following these steps will allow the students to complete their business letter.

Assess the business letter by using The Assessment Activity page of the module and clicking on the rubric.

Teacher Name: Susie Gilbertson
Site: Harelson Elementary
Date Submitted: April 13, 2004