Technology in the Classroom

ETTC, Lesson Plan Contest

Participant Name: Vivian M. Kercher-McGuire

School and District: Folsom Elementary School

Telephone number: 609-561-8666

Email address (if available): NA

Title of Lesson: Latin America Travel Brochures

Subject: Geography 7^th Grade

Date(s) that lesson was conducted : January 12 - January 26 th (six 50 min periods.)

1. Goals and Objectives of Lesson 2. New Jersey Core Curriculum Content Standards addressed: (Please

indicate subject area and specific standard numbers)

To study countries in Latin America #2 Geography (Gr5-8) #2, #5

To market sites for tourism in a country #4 Economics (Gr5-8) #1, #4

To demonstrate the interdependence of #5 Global Perspectives (Gr5-8) #1, #4

People & nations (U.S./Latin America

To study a different culture #7 Anthropology (Gr5-8) #1, #4

To be creative while developing skills #9 Study skills (Gr.5-8):

in acquiring knowledge, working with Acquire #1, #2, #3

others and problem solving Organize #1, #3

Participate #1, #3

3. Summary of the Lesson:

This is a third quarter project for 7^th Grade World Geography class in which two partners create a (2-sided, 6 panel) brochure to promote travel and tourism to a country in Latin America.

4. Equipment, materials and other technology needed: (Please list hardware, machines, any peripheral devices and software needed for the lesson. You can include copies of materials used as appropriate. This can be downloaded Internet pages, handouts for the students, copies of textbook pages, and other supplemental materials.)

Equipment used (other equal/compatable products may be substituted)\

IBM compatable pentium computers with internet access, Windows95, Print Shop Ensemble III,

Microsoft Word 97, Microsoft Publisher 97, Netscape 3.5/Microsoft Explorer 4.0, HP 820 Inkjet Color Printers

5. Detail of Activities:

Choose a partner for the project

Research ( using various sources including the internet) a country from a number selected by the teacher.

Create a brochure that includes at least one map, pictures and text to persuade tourists to visit the country.

The map must show the country's capital, major cities, bordering countries, bodies of water and resources

The text includes a brief description of some of the following: culture, government, history, landmarks, physical features, etc.. See attached project sheet.

6. Student Feedback and Assessment:

The students enjoyed this 3^rd quarter project that integrated Library, Language Arts (persuasive writing), Social Studies and Computer/Technology classes. They didn't enjoy all the required proofreading and rewriting that was required.

7. Additional comments & suggestions:

This year's work by the students was better than last's. There is still room for improvement which would result from more, and better, proofreading as well as more care aligning pictures and text in the publishing product.