LEARN NC

K–12 teaching and learning · from the UNC School of Education

Integrated unit on South America

This lesson includes information concerning database operations, word processing, desktop publishing, and spreadsheet formatting. Students will solve math problems.

A lesson plan for grade 6 Computer/Technology Skills, English Language Development, Mathematics, and Social Studies

By DPI Integration Strategies

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Learning outcomes

Students should demonstrate an understanding of communication skills, math, and computer skills using information on South America.

Teacher planning

Time required for lesson

2 hours

Materials/resources

Worksheets and files attached below.

Technology resources

  • Database Program
  • Spreadsheet Program
  • Word Processing Program
  • Internet Connection

Pre-activities

Students will need to be familiar with basic computer terminology. Students can have fun reviewing computer basics at the website in the sidebar.

Activities

Social Studies/Database Use

Sort and Search

Estimated time: 35 minutes

  1. Give each student a copy of the South American Database Questions containing detailed instructions and student questions for database use.
  2. Copy the database file called Same.xls to the network or the individual hard drives.
  3. Students may need guided practice.
  4. Use Answer Sheet 1 as a guide to grade the papers. Keep in mind that answers may vary.

Social Studies/DBSHORT

Research and Edit

Estimated time: 15 minutes

  1. Give each student a copy of the South America DBSHORT worksheet containing detailed instructions.
  2. Download the database file
  3. Samedbsh.xls
    4. and copy it to the network or the individual hard drives.
  4. Assist students as necessary, but encourage them to work independently.
  5. Use the Answer Sheet 2 to check student work.

Math/Spreadsheet Use

What if questions & creating a chart

Estimated time: 25 minutes

  1. Give each student a copy of Spreadsheet Use worksheet with specific instructions and student questions.
  2. Download the spreadsheet file labeled
  3. Sameshee.xls and copy it to the network or individual hard drives.
  4. Caution students about the type of chart they create. All graphic representations don’t fit this type of information.
  5. Students should examine their graphs for mistakes and edit them before submitting the final copy for teacher inspection.
  6. Use Answer Sheet 3 to check student work.

Communication Skills/Desktop Publishing/Keyboarding/Editing

Estimated time: 25 minutes

  1. Give each student a copy of the Earth Garden Agenda for specific instructions.
  2. Download the desktop publishing file called Earth Gardens of South America. Make this file available for all students.
  3. Use the attachment Answer Sheet 4 as a guide to grade the hard copies.

Assessment

The teacher will grade the results of each activity using the answer sheets provided.

Supplemental information

Modifications

  • Reduce the number of tasks required of the LEP students.
  • Adjust scale factors in graphics.
  • Simplify computer language and language in general.
  • Allow the use of a bilingual dictionary and thesaurus.
  • Allow students to work in pairs.

Alternative assessments

Select only basic functions on the assignments for LEP students to complete

Allow students to choose one activity out of all the assignments to submit for assessment.

Critical vocabulary

Computer language and terminology: margins, format, template, files, website, download, Content vocabulary: life expectancy, urban, population, per capita, area, Use visuals and modeling as much as possible for teaching critical vocabulary.

Comments

I want students to realize that computer use can be important in various subject areas.

North Carolina Curriculum Alignment

Computer Technology Skills (2005)

Grade 6

  • Goal 1: The learner will understand important issues of a technology-based society and will exhibit ethical behavior in the use of computer and other technologies.
    • Objective 1.07: Cite sources of information used in content area databases. Strand - Database
    • Objective 1.09: Identify, discuss and use WP/DTP terms/concepts (e.g., minimize document, resize document, toggle between two open documents on the desktop). Strand - Keyboard Utilization/Word Processing/Desk Top Publishing
  • Goal 2: The learner will demonstrate knowledge and skills in the use of computer and other technologies.
    • Objective 2.05: Use WP/DTP menu/tool bar features to publish for a specific audience and purpose. Strand - Keyboard Utilization/Word Processing/Desk Top Publishing
  • Goal 3: The learner will use a variety of technologies to access, analyze, interpret, synthesize, apply, and communicate information.
    • Objective 3.01: Select and use responsibly a variety of computing devices (e.g., probeware, handhelds, digital cameras, scanners) to collect, analyze and present content area information. Strand - Societal/Ethical Issues
    • Objective 3.05: Enter/edit data and use spreadsheet features and functions to project outcomes and test simple "what if..." statements in content assignments. Strand - Spreadsheet
    • Objective 3.09: Demonstrate knowledge of the advantages/disadvantages of using word processing to develop, publish, and present information to a variety of audiences. Strand - Keyboard Utilization/Word Processing/Desk Top Publishing
    • Objective 3.10: Select and use WP/DTP features/functions to design, format, and publish assignments/products. Strand - Keyboard Utilization/Word Processing/Desk Top Publishing

English Language Development (2005)

Grade 6

  • Goal 0:
    • Objective 0.02: Demonstrate critical comprehension of familiar, grade-level texts with assistance.
    • Objective 0.02: Partially use details in context to extract meaning from a variety of texts for specific functions.
    • Objective 0.04: Explore the text before, during, and after reading.
    • Objective 0.04: Interact with the text before, during, and after reading with assistance.
    • Objective 0.04: Construct more advanced paragraphs demonstrating main idea and supporting details with assistance (e.g., brochures, newsletters).
    • Objective 0.05: Demonstrate comprehension of simple material, including short discourse on familiar topics in expository and narrative texts.
    • Objective 0.05: Respond to academic content by using advance preparation, graphic organizers, reference materials, and native language support materials with assistance.
    • Objective 0.06: Produce simple written responses to content area texts with assistance.

Mathematics (2004)

Grade 6

  • Goal 4: Data Analysis and Probability - The learner will understand and determine probabilities.
    • Objective 4.06: Design and conduct experiments or surveys to solve problems; report and analyze results

Social Studies (2003)

Grade 6

  • Goal 1: The learner will use the five themes of geography and geographic tools to answer geographic questions and analyze geographic concepts.
    • Objective 1.02: Generate, interpret, and manipulate information from tools such as maps, globes,charts, graphs, databases, and models to pose and answer questions about space and place, environment and society, and spatial dynamics and connections.
    • Objective 1.03: Use tools such as maps, globes, graphs, charts, databases, models, and artifacts to compare data on different countries of South America and Europe and to identify patterns as well as similarities and differences among them.