Lightning

Subject and grade level:
                This lesson can be used for grades 2 and up. It will incorporate the subject areas of science and writing.

Student Characteristics:
                By the time a child reaches the second grade, he/she should have the ability to do a research paper. Integrating technology at an early age will make it easier for a student to do research papers in later grades.  Integrating the internet will also make it easier for students to look up a topic.

Lesson Overview:
                The purpose of this lesson is for students to learn a little bit about weather. Children are very curious. One of the questions that is most often asked by children is
"What is lightning?" This is a very good way for curious children to find the answers to all their questions about lightning.

Learning Objectives:
                The learner will:

• Be more knowledgeable about lightning.
• Be able to research a topic using the internert.
• Be able to write a research paper using Microsoft Word.
• Present information using HyperStudio.

Resources/Materials:
                Students will be able to use the internet, Microsoft Word, HyperStudio and the library's resource center. The following are some links to sites to use on the internet.
Lightning Page
Types of Lightning
Dangers of Lightning
Picture Gallery

Activities and Procedures:
                1.  Introduced weather and lightning to the class by reading books on the subject.
                2. Explain to the class what the assignment will be. Now that they have some background
                    knowledge on the subject, they are to research the subject by using the library's resource
                    center and the internet.
                3. This is an individual project. Each student is to do his/her own work. The students may talk
                    each other to get ideas about what type of information they are to collect and ideas on how to
                    present the information.
                4. Show the students a sample presentation of how the slide show is to look. This will also be the
                    perfect time to show your students how to use HyperStudio.

Assessment:
                Each student will be graded on a written report as well as an oral presentation. This project is worth 25 points.
 
 
 

	Excellent 23-25	Satisfactory 20-22	Needs Improvement 10-19
Written Report	Includes many informational facts about lightning.	Includes few informational facts about lightning.	Includes little or no information about lightning.
Oral Presentation	Speech is clear and understandable; presentaion captures audience's attention.	Speech is understandable; presentation is pleasing to the eye.	Speech is not understandable; presentation is not very appealing.
Mechanics	No grammar or spelling errors; easy to read.	A few grammar or spelling errors; not as easy to read.	Quite a few grammar or spelling errors; not very easy to read.

Sample Student Product: Click here for a sample of a students finished product