Constructive Learning: Adaptation Level

(9-12 Lesson)

Biography of an American Author
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Grade Level
10
Classroom Configuration:
  • One to one, in a computer lab setting
  • One to one, with individual student laptops
Arizona State Content Standards
  • Reading
    • Strand 3: Comprehending Informational Text
      • Concept 1: Expository Text
        • PO 4: Organize information from both primary and secondary sources by taking notes, outlining ideas, paraphrasing information; and by making charts, conceptual maps, learning logs and/or timelines for a research document or other assigned tasks. (Connected to Research Strand in Writing)
        • PO 5: Interpret graphic sources of information (e.g., charts, maps, diagrams, illustrations, tables, timelines, graphs) to support ideas. (Connected to Research Strand in Writing)
  • Writing
    • Strand 1: Writing Process
      • Concept 1: Prewriting
        • PO 1: Generate ideas through a variety of activities (e.g., brainstorming, notes and logs, graphics organizers, record of writing ideas and discussion, printed material or other sources).
        • PO 5: Use organizational strategies (e.g., outline, chart, table, graph, Venn Diagram, web, story map, plot, pyramid) to plan writing.
    • Strand 3: Writing Applications
      • Concept 6: Research
        • PO 1: Write a research report that:
          • incorporates evidence in support of a thesis/claim
          • integrates information from two or more pieces of primary and/or secondary research information
          • makes distinctions between the relative value and significance of specific data, facts, and ideas
          • integrates direct quotes
          • uses internal citations
          • includes a works cited, bibliography, or reference page
Arizona Educational Technology Standards (2009)
  • Strand 3: Research and Information Literacy
    • Concept 2: Processing
      • PO 1: Locate and synthesize information utilizing advanced search strategies including a variety of search engines, metadata search engines, deep web searches and databases.
      • PO 5: Apply ethical use of information and media by respecting the principles of copyrights, intellectual freedom and property rights, using information and media technology responsibly, and citing resources appropriately.
    • Strand 6: Technology Operations and Concepts
      • Concept 1: Undestanding
        • PO 3: Choose technology applications appropriate for the audience and task.
Objectives
  • The student will research and select a famous American author.
  • The student will organize and summarize the author's biographical information.
  • The student will examine the author's influence on society.
  • The student will plan and write a research paper with proper citations and writing elements.
Procedure
  1. Using Google Squared, students will search for an American author. Students can choose which characteristics to research. They will be able to compare the authors and choose one to write about.
  2. As students conduct their research online, they will choose an online tool to take notes and organize their thoughts. Students will include facts, quotes, contributions. They will answer the questions:
    • Why is this author important to us today?
    • What impact did the author have on society?
    • What were the major influences in this author's life and work?
    • Provide at least 2 quotations from the author and explain why these quotes exemplify their work.
  3. Students will provide a digital or paper copy of their pre-writing organizational tool for teacher or peer review.
  4. Students will use the Six Traits of Writing (Strand 2: Writing Components) to construct their paper.
  5. Students will use a digital citation tool to assist them with citing their sources.
  6. The research paper will be assessed with a focus on the graphic organizer, organization, mechanics, amount of information, paragraph construction, and proper citation of sources.
Materials
Assessment
  • Teachers will assess the student's research papers using a research report rubric.
TIM - Constructive: Adaptation
Northern Arizona University