Lesson Plan 4

Title of the Lesson:  To Recycle, or Not Recycle?
 

Brief Description of the Lesson:  Students visit the teacher created “To Recycle, or Not Recycle?” WebQuest.  In the WebQuest students take on the role of community members and take a stand on implementing a community wide recycling plan.  The committees present their information to the city council and community through a webpage they create. 
 
 

Duration:  Five to seven 45-minute class periods, depending on the class skill level.
 
 

Content Standards Used/Unit Goals/Objectives Supported: 
 Unit Goals:

Through research students will learn more about different aspects and the importance of reducing, reusing, and recycling.  Students will learn to apply the information to their everyday life by creating and implementing a practical school wide reducing, reusing, and recycling plan.  The unit uses computers are the main resource and tool; as a result, students will learn and improve computer skills. 

Unit Objectives:

TLW work cooperatively with a group. 

TLW list advantages and disadvantages of recycling.

TLW create a functioning webpage.

TLW make an efficient webpage.

TLW evaluate the idea of community wide recycling.

TLW communicate beliefs about recycling.

TLW present an oral presentation.

Content Standards:

Louisiana 6th Grade GLE’s:

Science

46. Identify ways people can reuse, recycle, and reduce the use of resources to improve and protect the quality of life (SE-M-A6)

Louisiana Educational Technology Standards:

Grade 5-8 Performance Indicators:

C. Demonstrate the operations of a computer (e.g., touch-keyboarding skills, save, organize and back-up files) and other peripheral devices (scanner, digital and video cameras, VCR, laser disc player) at an intermediate level. (6)

E. Use information, media, and technology in a responsible manner which includes following the school’s acceptable use policy, adhering to copyright laws, respecting the rights of others, and employing proper etiquette in all forms of communication. (4,5)

G. Use multimedia tools and desktop publishing to develop and present computer generated projects for directed and independent learning activities. (1,3)

H. Use technology tools (e.g., multimedia authoring, writing tools, digital cameras, drawing tools, web        tools) to gather information for problem solving, communication, collaborative writing and publishing to create products for various audiences. (1,3,4)

 

J. Understand Internet concepts (e.g., website, hypertext link, bookmarks, URL addresses) and apply intermediate on-line searching techniques (e.g., employ keyword, phrases, and Boolean Operators). (1,4)

 

K. Use telecommunications and online resources efficiently and effectively to collaborate with peers, experts, and others to investigate curriculum-related problems, issues, and information and to develop solutions or products for various audiences. (1,2,3,4)

 

L. Communicate information using spreadsheets and databases to visually represent data and integrate into other documents (e.g., entering data, formatting using formulas, analyzing data, and sorting). (1,2,3,4)

 

N. Research and evaluate the accuracy, relevance, appropriateness, comprehensiveness, and bias of electronic information. (2,4,5)

 

Lesson Goals:
The goal of this Recycling web quest is for students form an educated opinion about recycling, after researching advantages and disadvantages of recycling. Students will work together to come up with a plan of action for the city council regarding the recycling plan. Finally, the groups will create an efficient website to share their ideas and beliefs. 

 
 

Lesson Objectives:

TLW work cooperatively with a group. 

TLW list advantages and disadvantages of recycling.

TLW create a functioning webpage.

TLW make an efficient webpage.

TLW evaluate the idea of community wide recycling.

TLW communicate beliefs about recycling.

TLW present an oral presentation.

 
Resources:


Computer with Internet connection

Microsoft Word

To Recycle, or Not Recycle?  WebQuest

Projector with screen or WebTV

 

Procedures:

Setting:  Computer Lab, with teacher present to monitor and answer questions throughout process.

Students will use the To Recycle, or Not Recycle?  WebQuest to complete the following steps.  All instructions are on http://pangea.tec.selu.edu/~jbevill/distanceed for students.

Procedure for students:

1. Collect Information

  • Check the links for the resources page.
  • Gather Information pertaining to both advantages/disadvantages of a recycling program.
  • Share the gathered information with your committee members.  Be sure to note which webpage you received the information from.

2.  Brainstorm advantages/disadvantages

  • Once you have collected all of the information from web resources work with your committee members to come up with a list of advantages and disadvantages.  Your committee must decide what the best plan of action will be.
  • Create a draft outline that represents your committee view.

3.  Write a letter to the editor of your local newspaper.

  • Write a letter to the editor expressing your committee's view on the recycling program.
  • Remember you need to convince the community that your view point is the best.  Be sure to tell them why you think this is the best option based on the draft outline and the advantages/disadvantages list you drafted.
  • Encourage everyone in the community to attend the next city council meeting to support your viewpoint.

4.  Make a webpage that you can present at the town council meeting that represents your committee’s findings.  Be creative!


Assessment:

Students will be assessed using the following rubrics: 

Collaborative Work Evaluation

Process Evaluation

WebPage Evaluation

Oral Presentation Checklist