The Talking Earth: a
Research Lesson
Jackie West
Subjects Included: Reading, Social Studies and Science
Bogue Sound Elementary School
June 2001
Brief description: Billy Wind is punished for not
believing that the earth and the spirits can talk to her. She is
sent into the Everglades for her punishment and learns a great
deal from the animals. She eventually discovers that the earth
really can talk.
Approximate time required: 1 week
Standard Course of Study Goals and Objectives:
Technology:
1.1 Recognize the influence of technology on life in the United
States.
1.4 Describe the use of Acceptable Use Policy
2.1 Use technology tools to collect, analyze, and display data.
2.5 Create/modify an electronic database.
2.6 Search and sort information using one criterion.
3.1 Create a product using information located in a database.
3.2 Evaluate the accuracy, credibility, and validity of data in a
database.
3.4 Select the most appropriate graph to display data and state
reason.
Reading:
1.02 Select key vocabulary critical to the text and apply
appropriate meanings as necessary for comprehension.
1.03 Increase reading and writing vocabulary through:
- wide reading.
- word study.
- word reference materials.
- content area study.
- writing process elements.
- writing as a tool.
- debate.
- discussions.
- seminars.
- examining the authorís craft.
1.04 Use word reference materials (e.g., glossary, dictionary,
thesaurus, on-line reference tools) to identify and comprehend
unknown words.
2.02 Interact with the text before, during, and after reading,
listening, and viewing by:
- making predictions.
- formulating questions.
- supporting answers from textual information, previous
experience,
- and/or other sources.
- drawing on personal, literary, and cultural understandings.
- seeking additional information.
2.06 Analyze choice of reading materials congruent with purposes
(e.g., reading for information, reading to extend content area
learning, reading for pleasure, entertainment).
12.02, 2.06, 3.06, 5.06, 5.07
Social Studies:
2.2 Evaluate the influence of beliefs, individuals, and practices
associated with major religions in the United States, Canada, and
Latin America.
2.3 Analyze economic, social, and political situations which involve
ethical and moral dilemmas.
3.1 Describe the absolute and relative location of major landforms,
bodies of water, and natural resources in the United States, Canada,
and Latin America.
Science:
1.03 Evaluate the variety of organisms an ecosystem can support.
1.04 Relate the role of light, range of temperatures, and soil
composition to an ecosystem's capacity to support life.
1.06 Assess the interaction of organisms within an ecosystem.
2.02 Assess the needs, benefits, distribution, pollution, and cost
associated with society's use of energy.
3.01 Summarize changes to the earth caused by erosion, weathering,
and mass wasting.
Teacher's Lesson Goals:
1: The student will list animals of the Everglades talked about in
The Talking Earth.
2: The student will choose one animal to research using the inter
net and any necessary materials from the media center.
3. The student will enter the information into a data base under the
field names of :
- Name of Animal
- Description
- Classification
- Habitat
- Prey or Predator
- Food
- Life Span
Materials Needed: ----
- The book: The Talking Earth
- Computer
- Printer and paper
- Internet: Yahoo web site- Research under Everglades
National Park in Florida
- Use any research materials from the media center on the
Florida Everglades
Pre Activities:
1. The student will read the book The Talking Earth
2. While reading, the student will make a list of animals that
Billie Wind encounters in the Everglades.
Activities:
1. Lead a class discussion talking about types of animals found in
the Everglades from the book The Talking Earth.
2. Assign each student an animal to research from their list of
animals and your class discussion.
3. Set up a time for the students to research their animal on the
inter net using the categories as a guideline.
4. Also allow time for research in the media center to obtain more
information.
5. Require a bibliography of sources used to collect information.
6. Enter collected information into a data base discussing terms
such as field and category .
7. Use spell check to proof for spelling errors.
8. Proofread for mistakes in grammar and capitalization.
Closure: The student will print his database and
turn it in to the teacher to have it reviewed and graded.
Assessment: To assess I will be looking at the info found
under the categories to see if it has been researched completely
and entered correctly. Also I want all words spelled correctly and
correct capitalization and punctuation. I will be looking at the
finished printed product to determine that. |
