Stage 1- Understanding By Design

Georgia Performance Standard:

ELA4W3 The student uses research and technology to support writing. The student
a. Acknowledges information from sources.
b. Locates information in reference texts by using organizational features (i.e.,
prefaces, appendices, indices, glossaries, and tables of contents).

Standards for the 21st-Century Learners:

Standard 1: Learners use skills, resources, & tools to inquire, think critically, and gain knowledge.
Skill 1.1.4 Find, evaluate, and select appropriate sources to answer questions.
Disposition in Action 1.2.2 Demonstrate confidence and self-direction by making independent choices in the
selection of resources and information.
Responsibility 1.3.3 Follow ethical and legal guidelines in gathering and using information.
Self-Assessment Strategy 1.4.4 Seek appropriate help when it is needed.

Established Goals:
The student will:

- Identify type of reference materials needed to locate specific information

- Demonstrate the ability to locate information in the media center
- Demonstrate the ability to use organizational features

Understandings: Essential Questions:

Students will understand that: - Why do we need information?
-Different types of reference books contain - How can we use organizational tools to find
different information information? S
- A dictionary is used to find definitions - How do we know that information is
- A thesaurus is used to find synonyms and reliable?
antonyms - How can we use information that we have
- An atlas contains maps found?
- An almanac contains facts and statistics
- An encyclopedia contains general
information on a wide variety of topics,
usually in the form of articles
-Organizational features help in the search for
information
Students will know:
- A dictionary is used to find definitions and parts of speech
-A thesaurus is used to find synonyms
-An almanac is used to find statistical information
-An atlas is used to find map information
-An encyclopedia is used to find information on specific topics

Students will be able to:

Find definitions
Find synonyms for specific words
Find statistical information
Find locations on a map
Find information on specific subjects

Stage 2: Evidence of Desired Results

Performance Tasks:

Students will work with five different types of reference materials, completing a
worksheet for each source. Once they have gained experience working with these
reference materials, the students will complete a scavenger hunt in the media center.
They will work in teams of two, identifying the correct reference source, and then finding
the required information.
Worksheet #1:

Dictionary Worksheet

Name_____________________________________Date__________________________

Directions: Using a dictionary, define each of the

following words. Include the part of speech. Write a sentence using that word.

1. important:
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________

2. detest:
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________

3. shallow:
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________

4. yardstick:
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________

5. currency:
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
Worksheet #2

Thesaurus Activity

Name___________________________________________Date_________________

Replace all underlined words with synonyms.

1. Joshua walked quickly across the street toward the store.

2. Amber was so upset to see the injured dog that she cried all the way home.

3. After leaving the school, Martin ran quickly to the park to play.

4. The bird flapped its wings as the fountain of water wet its feathers.

5. After placing the empty cookie jar on the table, the brothers hurried quietly from the
kitchen.
Worksheet #3
Almanac Activity

Name______________________________________Date___________________

Find at least 3 interesting facts about each of these topics:

1. Weather:

2. Sports:

3. Animals/Nature:

4. Space/Astronomy:

5. Body/Health:
Worksheet #4

Atlas Activity

Name___________________________________________Date____________________

Find the answers to at least five of the following questions:

1. List four countries that border France.

1.
2.
3.
4.

2. What is the capital of Portugal?

3. Which country looks like a boot, and what body of water surrounds it?

4. Where is the Hawaii located?

5. Where are the Pyrenees Mountains located?

6. On which continent will you find Swaziland?

7. What country is between Finland and Norway?

8. What two countries border the United States?

9. Where is Venice?

10. Name four land-locked countries in Europe.

1.
2.
3.
4.
Worksheet #5

Encyclopedia Activity

Name_____________________________________________Date_________________

Write the subject you are assigned on the line below.

SUBJECT ASSIGNED_______________________________

1. Choose the correct encyclopedia volume.

2. Write four (4) interesting facts about your subject. Use your own words. Do not copy.

1.

2.

3.

4.

Which encyclopedia did you use? (Title of set)

What is the title of your article (What did you look up)?

What are the volume letter and number of your encyclopedia?

Volume______________ Number (#) _______________

What are the page numbers of the article?

From _________to____________

How old is your encyclopedia? _____________What is the copyright date? ___________

Scavenger Hunt
Scavenger Hunt

Name_________________________________Date____________

Use the correct reference source to find information on the following subject matter.
List all page numbers in parentheses. You may begin with any reference source.

Encyclopedia:
Find information on one of the following famous Georgia authors. Give the author’s place of
birth and list at least two facts about that person.

Alice Walker:

Jimmy Carter:

Almanac:
Find answers to the following questions. List the page number in parentheses.

1. What state was admitted to the union on January 3rd, 1959?

2. What planet is closest to the sun?

Atlas:
Find the following information:

1. In which Southern state will you find the city of Charlotte?

2. In what ocean does Bermuda lie?

Thesaurus:
Find another word for:

1. gadget

2. deal

3. list

Dictionary:
Define the following words:

1. flexible:

2. segment:

3. tremor:

Bonus questions:

1. Who signed the Declaration of Independence, only to die from a duel shortly afterwards?
 Stage 3: Learning Plan

Day 1- Students will view Animoto video. Then teacher will introduce the dictionary as a reference source.
Students will complete a worksheet by looking up predetermined words, define them, include the part of
speech, and then write a sentence using that word.

Day 2- Teacher will use a PowerPoint presentation to give information on the thesaurus. Students will complete
a worksheet by exchanging underlined words for a synonym, which they must look up in a thesaurus.

Day 3- Teacher will show students how an atlas works as they explore the pages together. Once the students
have an understanding of the resource, they will complete a worksheet in which they must find geographical
information using the index.

Day 4- Teacher will talk to students about encyclopedias and what types of information can be attained by their
use. Students will then choose a piece of paper on which a word is written, choose the correct volume from a
set of encyclopedias, then find the word and write four interesting facts about their topics on a worksheet. They
will include information about the encyclopedia, such as volume number and copyright date.

Day 5- Students will begin by exploring the almanac and getting a sense of what type of information can be
found in this resource. They will then complete a worksheet by looking up information on the topics provided
them and write down three facts that they find interesting for each topic.

Day 6- The culminating activity for assessment is a scavenger hunt in the media center. They will work in
teams of two to find information in each of the five reference resources in order to complete their assignment.
As they finish, teacher will check to see that they have correct information, and then they will be rewarded with
a treat.