Lesson 19. Hands Across the Border An Internet ... - Kids' Planet

Lesson 19. Hands Across the Border
An Internet Information-Gathering Activity
Teacher Notes
Grade: 6 to 9
Subject: Science, Language Arts, Social Studies
Group Size: Groups of two or three
Duration: One to two 50-minute periods, depending on computer availability
Skills: Research, group interaction, group responsibility, computer technology
including conducting research on the Internet and visiting websites for
information
OBJECTIVES:
Upon completion of this lesson, students
should be able to:
C Locate an Internet site when an address
is given
C Search for Internet sites based on key
words
C Find answers to their questions on
Internet sites
MATERIALS:
C Website Search Sheet
C Enough computers with Internet access
for students to work in groups of two
or three
BACKGROUND:
The Internet has revolutionized
information gathering. Students who know
how to access websites can supplement
books, periodicals and other sources.
Information on the Internet is the most
current if the site is frequently updated.
However, like any source, websites must
be checked for the accuracy of the
information they offer. They also must be
properly cited when used as a reference in
a written report.
During this lesson students will visit an
excellent website on wolves administered
by Wolf Awareness Inc., a Canadian
educational foundation.
PROCEDURES:
C Before going to the computer lab, give
students a copy of the Website Search
Sheet. Ask them to write a few
questions they have about wolves on
the sheet, particularly wolves in
Canada. For example: Where in
Canada do wolves live Where are
Canada’s national parks located What
problems, if any, is Canada
experiencing with wolves Are wolves
being restored anywhere in Canada
What kinds of wolves live there and
what do they eat What are the laws
regarding wolves in a country where
they are not an endangered species
C In the computer lab, have your students
“surf on up to Canada” and link up
with Wolf Awareness Inc. through The

Gray Wolf Web at
http://www.empath.on. ca/clupus/.
Like other well-designed websites, The
Gray Wolf Web offers a menu on its
home page. Have the students begin by
browsing through the selections,
starting with “Who We Are.”
C Discuss with students how to check
out the basic information on a website
to assess its credibility.
C When the students are comfortable
navigating around the site, have them
look for answers to their questions and
complete their worksheets.
C Have extra copies of the worksheet for
students to use if they come up with
other questions or wish to visit other
websites. (A comprehensive list of
websites is provided in the “Additional
Resources” section of this manual.)

Website Search Sheet
PURPOSE OF SEARCH:
___Just surfing and skimming
___Looking for specific information
___Research project
___Issues and opinions
___Pictures, art and stories
___Products, books and films
NAME OF WEBSITE_____________________________ADDRESS___________________
FOCUS SEEMS TO BE:
___Education and information
___Opinion exchange
___Advocacy and ways to get involved
___Issues and answers
___All of the above
SOME QUESTIONS I HAVE AND INFORMATION I NEED:
•_________________________________________________________
•_________________________________________________________
•_________________________________________________________
•_________________________________________________________
SOME CONTENTS ON THE SITES THAT INTEREST ME:
•_________________________________________________________
•_________________________________________________________
•_________________________________________________________
•_________________________________________________________
NOTES INCLUDING AUTHOR(S) AND CREDITS:
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
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