Explorer Report

Explorer Report Lesson Plan
Technology Integration

Author: Greta Scholtes

Topic: Early Explorers

Grade Level: 5

Materials: One encyclopedia, one textbook, one or two books, Internet site, PowerPoint

Objectives: Students will work in teams of two or three members to research an explorer. Students will take notes during their research and will create an outline for
for an oral presentation. Students will create a power point for their oral
presentation.

Procedure: Read about and discuss the explorers in class. Have students team up and choose an explorer. Students will work in groups to research their explorer and create both an outline and a PowerPoint presentation that they will present to the class. Make copies of the attached instructions and rubric for the students.

Launch: Before students research on their own, read about and discuss as a class the early explorers. After students have established a research team and have chosen an explorer, give them the content criteria for the research (see student directions). Teach students how to outline their notes. Teach students how to use PowerPoint, including slide transitions, background designs, adding graphics, and how to use different slide layouts.

Experience: Students will take their research in outline form and create a PowerPoint presentation. They will create a minimum of eight slides that will include transitions between each slide, four graphics, eight different background designs, and three different slide layouts.

Debrief: If the students meet the above criteria, including content and technology, and present for their fellow classmates, they will have the opportunity to learn from each other. Using a rubric, the teacher will assess if the students have met the criteria, and obtained the project objectives.

Assessment: Rubric (attached)

Extensions: Students may design an assessment piece to conclude their presentation. It can be in any format: i.e., Jeopardy, Are you smarter than a fifth grader, ten question quiz, etc. They may also create simple awards for winners or students who achieve a certain target score.

Adaptations: Students with special needs will work with students of higher ability levels. If this project is required to be completed individually, you may have them create only four slides, including one graphic and one transition. Advanced students may be required to complete the extension part of the project.


Explorers Unit

Team Members:______________________________________________________________________

EXPLORER'S NAME Date:

I. Team and Topic
A. Make up a research team numbering from two to three members.
B. Meet with teacher to select explorer.
DUE DATE: 5 POINTS

II. Research Explorer
A. Resources - collect several resources.
1. One encyclopedia, one textbook, one or two books, Internet site.
2. Find resources in class, school library, or county library.
B. Take clear and organized notes
C. Sub-topics (Assign sub-topics to each member)
1. Birth
2. Family background
3. Education
4. Early occupations
5. Reasons for becoming an explorer
6. Purpose for exploration
7. Who or what government backed his exploration. Why?
8. Describe exploration
9. In what ways did the explorer's expedition impact the world
10. What happened to the explorer in later years?
DUE DATE: 20 POINTS

III. Class Presentation
A. Using your notes make an outline to be used for a class presentation. (Teacher will give you lessons on outlining). Divide the information equally among you so that each of you can speak to the class.
B. Design a powerpoint presentation to be used with your presentation (see attached requirements)
C. Extra - Design an assessment piece to conclude your presentation. It can be in any format: ie, Jeopardy, Are you smarter than a 5th grader, 10 question quiz, etc.
Create simple awards for winners or students who achieve a certain target score.

DUE DATE (Teacher will assign your due date) 20 POINTS

VII. Helpful Hints
A. Keep yourself organized.
1. Work on project everyday.
2. Keep attention on due dates.
3. Communicate with your teammates.
4. Any problems - SEE ME ASAP!!
B. Practice, Practice, Practice. Total Points (45)________


PowerPoint Presentation Requirements

Your PowerPoint Presentation must include the
following:
Slide 1: Title Page - Your name, explorer name, and possible graphic
Slide 2: Early years – Explorers birth, family background, education, and early occupation
Slide 3: Reasons for becoming an explorer
Slide 4: Purpose of exploration
Slide 5: Who or what government backed the exploration, and why?
Slide 6: Describe your explorer’s exploration
Slide 7: In what ways did the explorer impact the world?
Slide 8: Later years – What happened to the explorer in later years?

Presentation must include a minimum of eight slides
Bullet points are acceptable
Each slide should have a different background
Four graphics must be used, including a picture of your explorer
Presentation must include three different slide layouts
Transitions are required between each slide



*Rehearse your presentation thoroughly. Have fun, and take pride in your assignment!