This lesson is for : Grade 5:
Summary
Richmond is full of historical sites, some are very popular and others not. This project, Hollywood Videos: Small Steps Forward, was for students to learn how to appropriately research, using correct search terms and adjusting them to find the information necessary to their project, and evaluate the validity of the source. Then the students wrote a biography, and created a final digital media product to help modernize Hollywood Cemetery.The project also encouraged students to collaborate and communicate with one another and specialists to accomplish the goal of updating the cemetery. In student chosen groups, students decided rolls or writers and speakers. Students also developed the norms for sharing information.
TIPC Ratings
Research & Information Fluency
Rating: Ideal – Explanation: Students created Google Docs (their choice over Word and anything else they wished to use), composed research guiding questions, and created forms to organize their information. The students chose appropriate digital tools in order to conduct the research and evaluated appropriateness of the source. After the information was obtained, the students organized and produced a biography. Reflections took place after the projects were completed.
Communication & Collaboration
Rating: Ideal – Explanation: Students worked together in self-chosen small groups and then as a whole class using Google Docs to share research information between group members. The students chose either Movie Maker or Animoto to create their final products. The students partnered with outside sources to share their projects as noted in the lesson plan. Additionally, students shared their projects using the classroom blog. Students had the opportunity to view the work of others and comment about their own work and the work of other students in reflection.
Critical Thinking & Problem Solving
Rating: Ideal – Explanation: The students engaged in critical thinking and problem solving when developing their own questions for researching, surveying and polling forms, and emailing. The students made predictions about technology availability at home and then analyzed the data. Also, students problem-solved to determine the groups and roles as well as in making their projects.
Creativity & Innovation
Rating: Ideal – Explanation: Students used creativity and innovation to help the community by creating movies for the selected residents’ webpage. Originally, students wanted to design an App, but after discovering Hollywood Cemetery’s needs, the students refocused their efforts on creating the movies to add to VCU’s webpages. Students linked character traits from studied famous Americans to the resident researched. Students reflected on how they would improve the project.
Lesson Materials
