Title: How to Research & George Washington
Objectives:
NC Essential Standards- Technology
5.SI.1.1 Use various types of resources to gather information (including print and online media).
5.SI.1.2 Use relevant sources of information for an assigned task.
5.SI.1.3 Use reliable sources of information.
5.TT.1.1 Use a variety of technology tools to gather data and information (e.g., Web-based
resources, e-books, online communication tools, etc.).
5.RP.1.1 Implement a research process by collaborating effectively with other students.
NC Essential Standards- Social Studies
5.H.1.2 Summarize the political, economic and social aspects of colonial life in the thirteen
colonies.
5.H.2.1 Summarize the contributions of the “Founding Fathers” to the development of our
country.
5.H.2.2 Explain how key historical figures have exemplified values and principles of American
democracy.
Common Core State Standards
5.RIT.7 Draw on information from multiple print or digital sources, demonstrating the ability to
locate an answer to a question quickly or to solve a problem efficiently.
5.RIT.9 Integrate information from several texts on the same topic in order to write or speak
about the subject knowledgeably.
Purpose: Students will learn the basics of evaluating sources of information on the internet.
They will use this information to fill out their Found Fathers Info Sheet for George Washington.
Focus: Teacher discusses with students times they have had unsuccessful internet searches to
answer questions or times they wondered if what they read on the internet was true.
Statement: “Today we will be learning how to tell if information on a website is authentic or
not. We will use those research skills to fill out our Founding Fathers Info Sheet instead of you
filling it out as I read a book to you.”
Teacher Input: Teacher explains the different ways students can tell if a website is valid or not.
The teacher records these on chart paper which can be used as an anchor chart while students
work.
Guided Practice:
Teacher facilitates discussion on using the guiding questions for evaluating a resource to check
the Wikipedia entry for George Washington in addition to the Mount Vernon Estate website.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Washington
http://www.mountvernon.org/content/facts-falsehoods-about-george-washington-0
Independent Practice:
Students research George Washington filling out their Founding Fathers Info Sheets by
researching him online and evaluating the websites. Students use the handouts and anchor chart
for help.
Close:
What interesting facts did you learn about George Washington which you may not have known if
I read you a biography of him?
Assessment:
Teacher uses an observational checklist and quick conferencing with students to see if they are
evaluating websites effectively.
Differentiation:
Struggling Students
Students who have difficulty making sense of the chaos of websites may research through more
traditional methods such a library books. They may also use documentaries or Youtube.com
videos to gain information.
Advanced Students
Students can compare websites to see which ones are more authentic. They may also attempt to
find sites which are not authentic resources of information on George Washington to share with
the class and explain why they are not authentic.
ELL
Similar accommodations made for struggling students can also be done with ELL students.
Additionally, pre-teaching vocabulary associated with internet searching and George Washington
may be necessary. Graphic organizers with pictures to assist in evaluating websites can also be
used.
Resources:
http://mediasmarts.ca/internet-mobile/authenticating-information
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Who is the source of the information? (The most important step is to understand who put
the information online.)
What are you getting? (Does the information seem biased in any way?)
Where are you? (Deconstructing the Web address, or URL, will tell you a lot.)
When was the site created? (You want the most current information.)
Why are you there? (There may be better places to find the information; books for
example.)
How can you tell what’s what? (Double check the information with other sources.)
Pages 5-8 of Taming The Wild Wiki- Evaluating Internet Sites
http://mediasmarts.ca/sites/default/files/pdfs/lesson-plan/Taming-the-Wild-Wiki_Sept09.pdf