Brief Description

English Language Learners will research the planned Earth Day Events around the world. From the information gained they will evaluate various events and select one to attend. Students will choose the most effective way to advertise their favorite event.

Standards and Frameworks

Technology Standards

• 5T-E1 Locate information from electronic resources.

• W-E8  Demonstrate research skills using reference materials to complete effectively a variety of writing tasks.

Academic

• Students will select the best source for researching Earth Day, take notes relevant to the topic, and incorporate notes into a finished product.

• Students will identify electronic research resources, define the subject to be researched, and devise a search strategy to locate information using available electronic research resources.

• Students should know basic computer operating skills, and desktop navigation skills.
• Familiarity with online and CD-ROM reference sources helpful.

• Computer with Internet access, printer, World Book CD-ROM, software for publishing products, dictionaries, relevant vocabulary (cards or list), paper, and markers.
• Earth Day regalia from past Earth Days helpful but not necessary.

Lesson can be modified to accommodate beginning to intermediate English proficiency levels. NES students can be paired with students with more advanced skills.

Procedures

The following URL addresses will be helpful:

• http://www.earthday.net/dir/event.asp
• http://www.earthwatch.org/

1. Teacher introduces topic to be researched.
2. Relevant vocabulary is discussed. Students add to list. Earth Day words from students’ L1s (primary language) can be shared.
3. Teacher identifies electronic resources available for researching the topic. (Internet Search Engines or CD-ROM)
4. Teacher demonstrates search techniques that give good results.
5. Students select a strategy. Students refer to vocabulary list for key words.
6. Students are encouraged to visit three or four web sites. One of which could be their country of origin to see how Earth Day will be celebrated in their homeland. Another should be an Arizona site to become familiar with local celebrations.
7. Students fill out a fact sheet for each web site visited.
8. Students compare their fact sheets by sharing information about the various Earth Day events they researched.
9. Students select an event they want to attend, and fill out worksheet.
10. Students create an advertisement for their chosen event. Options (electronic/non-electronic) can be explained, however, each student may select what he/she feels is most appropriate for their event.
11. Display advertisements.

Students will be evaluated on a four point rubric for their advertisement.

Teacher Name: Karen Loquvam
Site: Coronado
Date Submitted:  April 16, 2002