H E L E N   K E L L E R  M I D D L E  S C H O O L

One can never consent to creep when one feels an impulse to soar...Helen A. Keller

Take a Walk in My Shoes...
Grade 7
Directed On-Line Study

Project Expectations and Interdisciplinary Connections

(Note:  Because this project is under the program, Directed On-Line Study, the impetus is on technology.  However, there are aspects of each of the curriculum standards listed that are part of the project but not the main thrust.)

CORE PRODUCT DESCRIPTION

Students will:

1. work cooperatively, in groups,  to research information on the cultures of their countries.
2. explore secondary sources, using the cookbooks from the Easton Public Library and the Helen Keller Middle School Media Center.
3. explore the pre-selected websites to gather information relevant to their country.
4. research the impact of geography, history, economy, social/society, political impact, values and beliefs on the different types of foods within their specific country.
5. organize information using an on-line graphic organizer.
6. use the correct "Works Cited" format when citing resources
7. create a one to two-page product to be included as part of the class cookbook (Publisher).
8. create a presentation using the information from the graphic organizer (Powerpoint)

Students will:

• develop written narratives and short interpretative essays, as well as other appropriate presentations from investigations of source materials.
• explain how roles and status of people have differed and changed throughout history based on gender, age, class, racial and ethnic identity, wealth, and/or social position.
• describe examples of how societies throughout history have used various forms of visual arts, dance, theater, myths, literature and music to express their beliefs, sense of identity and philosophical ideas.
• display empathy for people who have lived in the past.
• examine ways in which regions are interconnected.
• explain and assess how culture affects perception of places and regions.
• demonstrate and explain ways that humans depend on, adapt to and alter the physical environment.
• compare the resources used by various cultures, countries and/or regions throughout the world.
• illustrate how resources can be used in a variety of ways.

Geography:

1. Places and Regions:  Students will use spatial perspective to identify and analyze the significance of physical and cultural characteristics of places and world regions.
2. Human and Environmental Interaction:  Students will use geographic tools and technology to explain the interactions of humans and the larger environment, and the evolving consequences of those interactions.

Economics:

1. Limited Resources:  Students will demonstrate that because human, natural and capital resources are limited, individuals, households, businesses and governments must make choices.

Language Arts:
Students will:

1. use prior knowledge and experiences.
    
2. create graphic organizer to organize ideas.
    
3. interpret text by using prior knowledge and experiences.
    
4. use a variety of monitoring and self-correcting methods (skimming, scanning, reading ahead, re-reading, using resources, summarizing, re-telling, re-adjusting speed).
    
5. gather, select, organize and analyze information from primary and secondary sources.
    
6. engage in a process of generating ideas, drafting, revising, editing, and publishing or presenting.
    
7. interact with others in creating, interpreting and evaluating written, oral and visual texts.
    
8. proofread and edit for grammar, spelling, punctuation and capitalization.
    
9. speak and write using conventional patterns of syntax and diction.
    
10. create a Works Cited based on the 6-8 Writing Tools.

1. use Internet to view pre-selected websites.
    
2. critically evaluate the websites for relevancy to specific topic.
    
3. use the teacher-created template in Inspiration to organize their specific categories.
    
4. enhance their web y changing style, design, color and adding appropriate graphics.
    
5. use the "Spell Check" tool.
    
6. save graphic organizer (web) in the designated folder on the Network.
    
7. use graphic organizer as the basis for creating the segment in the cookbook and the slides in the presentation.
    
8. enhance cookbook pages using different fonts, styles, colors and graphics to complement country researched.
    
9. enhance presentation using different fonts, styles, colors and graphics to complement country researched and topic studied.
    
10. locate graphics and/or clipart to match their country and sub-topic.
     
11. insert graphics into Publisher and Powerpoint.
     
12. save file in designated folder on Network.
     
13. Use the interactive Online Outline form located on the HKMS website.
     
14. Use Noodletools.com, an online citation tool, to create Works Cited.