Goals:

1. Students will be introduced to the library and how to find sources needed to complete a research paper.

2. Students will begin to find articles and books they need to begin their research paper.

Time:

Two hours. Three hours when used with the "How to use the Internet" lesson.

Resources\Materials:

Library, librarian, and activity sheet.

Procedure:

1. The first part of this lesson plan must include the teacher and librarian meeting several days in advance to develop an understanding of what the objective is for this class visit. Our purpose for this meeting is to familiarize students with the library and the resources in the library.

2. On the day of the library visit, students will be expected to listen to a brief introduction that introduces them to many aspects of the library, including how to research a topic. An example of what might be introduced at such a discussion includes the following:
 

A. Dewey decimal system.

B. Sears subject heading (found in many middle schools)

C. Online catalogs.

D. Periodical\magazine article searches

E. CD Rom searchers such as INFOTRAC and Middle Search.

F. Readers guide to periodical literature.

G. Reference materials: World Book, Britannica, and special encyclopedias such as Encyclopedia of World Cultures.

H. Library tour.
 

3. After the introduction to the library, students will be given an activity sheet that will require them to use many of the sources the librarian just discussed. The activity sheet is just a warm up that allows the students to become familiar with the library. This activity should take the students about 15 to 20 minutes to complete, and once they have completed the sheet, it must be turned in for credit.

4. Students will now do research on their island. Students will be expected to have at least two sources before they leave the library. Assessment: Student assessment is based on completion of tasks outlined in lesson plan. Those tasks are as follows:
 

A. Completion of library activity sheet.
 
1. Locate books by call number.

2. Find information on two topics they are given.

3. Find two sources of information on their island.

Assessment:

This lesson will be assessed by the following rubrics.

Task completion:



4 Student actively performs and completes required tasks presented to him/her.

3 Student performs and completes required tasks presented to him/her.

2 Student passively performs and completes required tasks presented to him/her.

1 Student passively performs, but does not complete required tasks presented to him/her.


Accuracy:


4 Student locates and identifies all material presented to him/her and locates additional resources in an organized manner.

3 Student locates and identifies all material presented to him/her in an organized manner.

2 Student locates and identifies most of the material presented to him/her in an organized manner.

1 Student locates and identifies little of the material, in an unorganized manner.


Sentence structure:



4 Student writes in complete and accurate sentences and makes no grammatical errors.

3 Student writes in complete sentences and makes few grammatical errors.

2 Students writes in complete sentences, but makes many grammatical errors.

1 Student writes in fragments and makes grammatical errors.

Curricular Strands:

Social Studies - searching for historical facts

English - writing exercises

Computer Technology - using computers in the library

Possible Extensions:

Visit the public library and perform these activities.

Visit a local college or university and perform these activities.

Visit the Library of Congress.

Library activity sheet

This activity involves the student in finding and seeking out resources through out the library. It is similar to an "Easter egg hunt" in that students will be expected to find several items located in the library.

Part A:

Students will be given five (5) library call numbers. They must find all five of the books to receive credit for this part of the activity. Instead of having the students bring all five books up to show the teacher or librarian that they did find the books, inside each book will be a card that has the call number on it. The student is responsible for giving this card to the librarian or teacher so they know that the student successfully located the book.. Call numbers:

Part B:

Students will be given two topics to locate. They can use any means we discussed to located them. For example, if a student were given the topics "The Rainforest" and "India", it would be up to them what reference materials they would use to find the information. They could use the online computers or Encyclopedias. It is up to them. After they have located their two sources, they must write down the following information and submit it:



A. Location of source.

B. Author(s) name(s).

C. Year of publication.

D. Call number (if applicable).

Brief synopsis:

Part C:

Students will locate two sources on their island for future use. Students must check out or photocopy the sources they are going to use. In addition, students will be required to write out a brief synopsis on the source and provide the same information listed in Part B.



A. Location of source.

B. Author(s) name(s).

C. Year of publication.

D. Call number (if applicable).

Brief synopsis:

This page submitted by St. Norbert College Ocean Voyagers Program