A free press, free to investigate and report on responsibly, compelling stories, is essential to a democracy. A 10-slide presentation details where to get ideas, how to go about an investigation, gather data, and assure the accuracy of...

Prepare middle schoolers for life in the tech world with a lesson on entering, storing, sorting, and creating database collections. They use a database tool, such as excel, to record the contents of their CD collections. They then...

Students complete a unit on clouds and a report about one type of cloud. They collect data through observation about different types of cloud cover and then create a spreadsheet to reflect their observations over a 2 week period.

What important facts about Dr. Seuss influenced the Read Across America movement...? This is the driving question of a research project that requires scholars to find information about Dr. Seuss' life and work. Class...

Students review basic computer skills needed to create a holiday card along with a database of at least twenty five contacts. They create their family greeting card including graphics, correct spelling an grammar. Using their database...

Students create a database and use its ability to store, sort, and present information about their fantasy baseball team. They gather information and use their knowledge of statistics to accomplish their team.

High schoolers gather information about family, parents, and grandparents using the database form. They place their personal information into the database and save the information to compile class in formation. They develop skills in...

Research the lives of famous women in this social studies lesson. Middle schoolers use various sources to research a famous woman and create a presentation about the accomplishments of the woman. They can find the central idea throughout...

Search a variety of sources to create a multimedia or book project about Japan. Learners use the independent investigation method to plan and conduct research about Japan. They use the information they discover to create a computer book...

Have you ever conducted a Web search and received too many hits? Teach your class about Boolean search terms and provide them time to practice conducting efficient online searches. This lesson plan contains several fun activities which...

Quidditch anyone? Here's a fun way to introduce your class to the resources available in the library as well as on the Internet. Researchers create an outline of the sources they locate about Harry Potter, J.K. Rowling, quidditch, and...

Students examine the useful information to be found on the "invisible web." They find the best sources of relevant information.

Third graders read and appreciate the writing of great American Authors. use technology to garner information about famous American authors. They have selected sites to explore. The information they save be used for a future Powerpoint.

Students learn to use a time grid or a calendar to increase productivity of their studying.  In this studying lesson, students record how they spend their studying time and then adjust as needed.  Students recognize various...

Students explore world traditions by utilizing computer programs. In this Internet research instructional activity, students utilize the TechnoCelebrate digital database to locate information regarding cultural celebrations. Students...

Students identify how to turn a topic statement or research question into an effective search statement for use with electronic databases or web search engines. They apply use of Boolean operators in the searches.

If you could travel anywhere in the United States, where would you go? Use this question to interest your fourth, fifth, and sixth graders as they experiment with Mapquest or other direction-based resources. They choose where they'd like...

Students practice communication skills through brochure writing.  In this child safety brochure lesson, students gather important child safety information and rewrite it into a brochure.  Students must use correct language....

Your class is getting ready for its first big research project. While they know how to use the Internet, do they know how to find academic information? Do they know how to find credible sources? Give them this packet and bring them to...

The ultimate legacy of Emmett Till's violent death is its role in the non-violent roots of the Civil Rights Movement. A instructional activity compares contemporaneous articles with the lyrics of Bob Dylan's "The Death of Emmett Till"...

Students explore Spanish speaking countries.  In this multi-cultural literacy lesson, students research a country in which Spanish is the official language, and create a related travel brochure on the computer.

Learners review the basic tools for Adobe Photoshop.  In this Photoshop lesson, students choose a picture and discuss its properties.  Learners use tools to see how pictures are altered. Students use layers to change their...

Students study the three major web search tools: search engines, directories, and metasearch engines. They examine the appropriate times to use each of the search tools.

Students practice using objective and quantitative means to describe and compare the weather. They compile weather conditions and create a spreadsheet to record their findings.