Fifth Grade Native Plants

Created and Developed by Ms. G. and Ms. Reed

Project Mapping Based on Big6™ Skills:

1.1  Defining the Problem (What is the task?)
            Introduction to Ethnobotany
            Plant List
            Essential Questions:
                A.  What is a (fill in the name of your native plant)?
                        What is its latin name? Its tribal name?  
                B.   Describe the most important visual features.
                C.   How did indigenous people of Washington use the ________?
                            i. Medicine
                            ii. Food
                            iii. Tools, Transportation, Lodging, Clothing
               D.    Include a sketch of _________.
                E.  Describe the regional area in which it is found.

1.2 Identify the Information Requirements (What types of information do I need?)
                A. Use the KWL chart to determine what you already know.
                B.  Tasks of project-
                    1. Find research material
                    2. Take notes using keywords and main ideas on note cards
                    3. Organize notes and rewrite in paragraph form
                    4. Revise and edit writing
                    5. Input information on a web page using MS Frontpage
                    6. Share what was learned with others

2.1 Determine the Range of Possible Sources  (What are possible sources?)
                A. Along with Ms. G., you will brainstorm a list of resources.
                B. Direct instruction of these resources to begin with:
                    1. Mukilteo online Web-Pac
                    2. Selected non-fiction titles such as Pojar and MacKinnon, and Gunther.
                    3. World Book Encyclopedia   
                    4. World Book Encyclopedia Online
                    5. Selected Web Sites
                C. Search Strategies
                  1. Alphabetical Order
                       a. ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ
                 2. Page Ranges
                        a.  pg. 2-5 means pages 2, 3, 4, and 5
                  3. Word Selection and Alternatives
                            a. Shrub or Bush   
                            b. Fir or Conifer  
                   4. Keyword, Subject Searches
                   5. Volume, Index and Table of Contents
                   6. Headings and Subheadings
                   7. Hypertext Links
2.2 Evaluate the Different Possible Sources to Determine Priorities  (What are the best possible sources?)
                A. Non-Fiction Books
                        1. General Topics of  Plants, Shrubs and Trees
                        2. Specific Titles
                        3. Year of Publication
                        4. Index?  Table of Contents?  Bibliography?
                B. Encyclopedia
                        1. Adequate information about Washington State Native Plants
                        2. General information about Native Plants
                C. Online Encyclopedia
                        1. Adequate information about Native Plants    
                        2. Additional sites or resources.
                D. Websites
                        1. Criteria for reliable information
                                a. URL (uniform resource locator)
                                b. Title of website
                                    1)Purpose or goal of site
                                    2)Author or organization that create website
                                        a).edu, .com, .net, .gov, .org                        
                                    3)Entertainment? Educational?
                                    4)Ability to communicate with web author
                                    5)Date of web site or page
                                    6)Reliable information or opinion
                        2. Evaluation exercise

3.1 Locate Sources (intellectually and physically)
                 A. Where will I physically find this information?
                        1. Lake Stickney Library
                        2. Public Library
                            a. Sno-Isle (Lynnwood, Mill Creek, Mukilteo)
                            b. Everett (Evergreen Way)
                        3. Classroom
                        4. Community
3.2 Find Information within Sources
                  A. What resources do I need to use to get my information?
                        1. Lake Stickney WebPac
                        2.World Book Encyclopedia in LS Library
                        3. World Book Online
                        4. Native Plant Websites

4.1 Engage (e.g. read, hear, view) the information in a source

                A. Be efficient when reading through sources by looking at:
                        1. Index
                        2. Headings and Subheadings
                        3. URL Domains and authorship
                

4.2 Extract Information from a Source
                A. Writing the essential information or themes onto note cards.
                        1. Question 1
                        2. Question 2
                        3. Question 3
                        4. Question 4
                B.  Include citations for each resource used.
                        1. Sample citations

5.1 Organize Information from Multiple Sources
                A.  Compile information from various sources.
                B.   Organize them in order to answer the four questions.

5.2 Present Information
                A. Complete the FrontPage template with your information and photos or drawings.

6.1 Judge the Product (effectiveness)
                A. Project rubric

6.2 Judge the Information Problem-Solving Process (efficiency)
                B. Project Rubric

See the Final Projects!