Subjects included in this Lesson Plan: Technology, Language Arts, Health

Brief Description: Students will create and modify a database using information from cereal labels.

Approximate time required: Three - One hour session, Pre-Activity will be taught in the classroom and the two day Activity will be done in the computer lab (day one- create a database, day two- use a prepared database).

Standard Course of Study Goals and Objectives 
Technology:
1.1 Recognize the influence of technology on life in the United States. 
2.5 Create/modify an electronic database.
2.6 Search and sort information using one criterion. 
2.7 Add and delete records in a database.
3.2 Evaluate the accuracy, credibility, and validity of data in a database.
3.3 Select search strategies to obtain information.
Language Arts:
1.02 Select key vocabulary critical to the text and apply appropriate meanings as necessary for comprehension.
2.09 Listen actively and critically by:

a. asking questions.
b. delving deeper into the topic.
c. elaborating on the information and ideas presented.
d. evaluating information and ideas.
e. making inferences and drawing conclusions.
f. making judgments

3.06 Conduct research (with assistance) from a variety of sources for assigned or self-selected projects (e.g., print and non-print texts, artifacts, people, libraries, databases, computer networks).
4.10 Use technology as a tool to enhance and/or publish a product.
Health:
3.04 Evaluate reliability of health information sources.
5.02 Demonstrate how personal food and beverage choices fit in the Food Guide Pyramid.
5.07 Distinguish between healthy and unhealthy patterns of eating.

Teacher's Lesson Goals/Objectives: The student will be able to use a database file to respond to questions relating to a cereal database. From this activity, students will examine appropriate database terms and steps necessary to locate information in order to answer questions. Students will explain the steps taken to locate database information such as" sorting sugar in ascending order". Students will compare the nutrition labels of cereals and after answering questions on their worksheet they will make informed decisions about the nutrition value of their favorite cereals. Students will also delete a database field and create a new field.

Materials/Resources Needed: 
AppleWorks spreadsheet 
paper,
pencil and 
Cereal Database
Cereal Activity 1
Cereal Activity 2

Pre Activities:

1. Day 1- Students discuss the influence of database on the US. Students will review with questioning: What is the largest database in the world? Internet) What do we use a database for in the real world? (Sort and organize information) Give examples of a paper database... (Phone book)
2. Students learn the terms (field, record, find, sort, entry bar, list, browse, ascending and descending) and the purpose of each term relating to a database.

Activities:

1. Day 2- Students bring empty cereal boxes to class and use the nutritional label information for the database they create.  Students create a database and enter the nutritional  information about their cereal.
2. Students printed their individual databases and review the databases to review spelling accuracy.
3. Day 3- Students are then given a complete database listing 64 types of cereals to answer their questions about the nutritional value of cereals. 
4. Open up your cereal database under student. Review the difference between a Record and Field.  Who can remember the two main menus that we will click on to find information in a database? (Layout/Organize) What are the two ways to view your database? (List and Browse) What are the two things you can with at database? (Find and Sort) What are the two ways to sort a database? (ascending and descending) 

Guided Practice: Lets begin to answer these questions on the worksheet Cereal Activity 1 together and write down the steps that you took to answer the questions. Work several of the questions together using the Smartboard.

Independent Practice: Complete answering the worksheet
Cereal Activity 2 questions on your own and writing your own responses about the uses of a database and add a record to your database individually.

Closure: Review database terms and review the process students go through to locate information using a database.

Assessment:

1. Students will be assessed on vocabulary how to sort and find information in a database. Worksheet questions which assess each technology objective will be graded. 
2. Can students recognize the influence of technology on their lives? Assess by observation and responses. 
3. As students are sorting information on the cereal label, they should be able to evaluate the reliability of health information and decide which cereals have the least amount of sugar and are the most healthy to eat in the morning. They should begin making wise choices, which is an observation and interaction dialogue with students.