Linda Robinson
Edison Middle School
Champaign

Best Practice

Topic: Using the Internet to Research Information about Mathematicians

Level: Seventh Grade

NCTM Standards: Standard 2 - Math as communication

Illinois Goal: Goal 10 - Collect, organize ... data using ... computers ...

Technology Used: Mac, Claris Works 4.0, and the Internet

Lesson Plan

Prior to beginning this project, send a letter home to let parents know that the students will be publishing their work on the internet. If the parents do not want their student to publish on the internet, they can sign the letter to release their student from entering their work on the net.

Click here to read the letter

DAY 1

Aim: Students will browse the web to locate information about a mathematician or scientist.

Plan:

  • Students will meet in the Mac Lab.
  • Give students hand out for the research paper. (Read it out loud.) SAMPLE assignment will be included.
  • Instruct student to click on Netscape icon.
  • Type www.ed.uiuc.edu/students/kauwell/edison/main.html
  • If students know who they would like to research, they can do a search.
  • Students should bookmark or print useful information.

    • Assignment: Turn is the name of the mathematician or scientist that you plan to research. If you printed material, summarize it in your own words.

    DAY 2

    Aim: Students will browse the web to locate information about the mathematician or scientist.

    Plan:

  • Students will meet in the Mac Lab.
  • They will search the net for articles about their topic.
  • Print article or take notes for their paper.
  • Discuss plagiarism and any questions students might have.

    • Assignment: Take note from material on the internet. Students should have two on more sources.

    DAY 3

    Aim: Students will begin their rough draft using ClarisWorks.

    Plan:

  • Students will meet in the lab.
  • Students will use their note to write their first draft.
  • They will be allowed the use the lab during their study period or after school.

    • Assignment: Students will complete their rough draft by DAY 4 and bring them to class for peer editing.

    Day 4

    Aim: Students will edit at least two other students papers.

    Plan:

  • As students are peer editing two or more papers, teacher will check students note and rough drafts.
  • Students will begin correcting their final report.
    •

    Assignment:

  • Paper, notes, and information copied from internet due on DAY 5.
  • Prepare your oral presentation
    •

    Day 5

    Aim: Students will give a summary of their mathematician or scientist.

    Plan: Collect reports after students give their oral reports. (Students can take notes.)