PDA (Ronda and Mary)   -  Final Draft   

What Have You Read Lately? 

Grade Level:  7th
grade                                     Subject:  literature/language
arts 

Students will be able to: 

1)        ask probing questions in an survey 
2)        write for a specified audience. 
3)        use available technology to produce works for specified 
          audiences.    
4)        identify, evaluate and cite primary sources.      
5)        take notes, organize and report information 
6         will work cooperatively with other students from a 
          different school 
7)        will collect, organize and evaluate data 
8)        will proofread and revise their work 

Authentic Student Task:   

Students from the town of Lemont will collaborate with the Lemont Public
Library to create ways of improving and promoting student attendance.   

Hook:    

Students receive a visit from Lemont's Public Library children's
librarian.  She tells students that the board of directors at the library
has noticed a decline in student attendance at the library. They are
wondering why.  Is it because the library doesn't have the types of books
students enjoy or need?  Whom do they ask for help in figuring out this
problem?  The library's funding for children's books is in danger of
being cut for lack of student interest.  We need your help in making the
library a place that students would like to use.  We need your help in
determining the kinds of books kids really like to read. (I am also
making a visit to other schools in the Lemont community.)  I want to know
what kinds of books appeal to kids your age. 

Student Direction: 

Students will generate in cooperative groups: 
         to devise a plan for selecting books for the library 
         to develop a plan to communicate the results of their 
         findings 
         to devise a plan for collecting data 
         create a survey to acquire the necessary information 
         needed to solve book selection problem 
         brainstorm additional ways to help students in selecting 
         a book other than a book review 
          
Best Use of Technology: 

Students will use available technology to publish results of their
findings.  They will communicate with other students using technology
such as e-mail, survey's, online chat and possible video
conferencing.  They will explore on-line publishing resources.  They will
post their findings on the school districts web. The Lemont Public
Library will have link on their page to the district's page.