1. How to Get Middle Schoolers to Write and
Research Without Them Realizing How Much
Work They Are Doing
OR
Research Without Tears
2. Who Am I?raised in small town Minnesota in an Ozzie and
Harriet-like family
34th year in education!
began in Minnesota, Canadian Quebec bush, Tucson,
and finally Sonoita
taught every grade K-8, undergraduate education
program; teacher, principal and superintendent
currently the Literacy Coach/Librarian for Sonoita
School District
3. The Birth of the Project-Based
Curriculum
began when team wanted to:
integrate subject areas,
teach skills and concepts from all core subjects,
offer students the opportunity practice new skills,
have students practice those skills by creating end products,
and enable students to display their learning.
4. What did the students need to learn?
How did we want to teach the objectives?
Who was “we?”
What materials did we want to use?
What end products did we want the students to create?
In what context did we want the students to work within?
What kind of a culminating activity will best display new learning?
Planning Phase
5. Around the World
Premise: You are independently wealthy, in perfect health, and any age your
imagination wishes. Must circumvent the globe.
Assignments: choose a feature country, write to embassy, log of at least 12 days,
written itinerary, historical timeline, large flag, 20 activity points, historical research
report on feature country, oral presentation of all work, and Around the World
luncheon
First week of October to winter break
6. Renaissance Fair
Studied the 14th through the 17th century
Included music and art teachers, 3 classroom teachers
Included studies of arts, literature, sciences and the historical
elements of the time
Created a menu of selected activities: at least 1 from each area of
study
Culminated in a Renaissance Fair taking over the gym for 3 days of
tours of the art gallery, dancing, singing and buffet
7.
8. Welcome to the world of a magazine editor! You have just applied for an
internship at a magazine called Teen World. It is the slickest, most popular teen
magazine in the world. You are dying to work for this magazine because you've
read it from cover to cover since you were eleven years old. All your friends
subscribe and love talking about it when they get together.
The magazine is all about teenagers' lives in different countries and is read by
them all around the world. Each month the magazine targets teen culture in a
different country so one month the magazine could be about teens in Australia
and the next month teens in Zambia. No matter what country the magazine
focuses on, teens love it!
Your first interview for the internship went very well. However, before the
magazine editor will hire you, s/he wants to see a mock-up of what you would
create for next month's issue. S/he said you could choose any country to highlight
but you must focus on teens - and only teens. It is your job to put together a
complete issue to present to the interview team when you go in for your final
interview.
Good luck with your project!
Now, turn to the next page to see the list of items the editor said must be included
in your mock-up.
Now, turn to the next page to see the list of items the editor said must be included
in your mock-up.
Now, turn to the next page to see the list of items the editor said must be included
in your mock-up.
Now, turn to the next page to see the list of items the editor said must be included
in your mock-up.
9. 7. 1 editorial column
8. 2 original maps
9. 2 sidebars
10. 4 advertisements
11. 1 original drawings
12. 1 original cartoon
13. editorial bar
- You can use Printshop, iPages, or a combination of both programs.
- In the list "original" means you must do this by hand, not with your laptop.
- You'll have plenty of time during Research Class to finish all of these
assignments - if you use your time wisely.
- You may bring magazines from home for ideas or photos.
- I am available daily during lunch recess for assistance or to answer questions.
- Make your magazine as bright and colorful as the real publications are.
- Good luck getting ready for your final interview!
your final interview!
your final interview!
your final interview!
your final interview!
your final interview!
your final interview!
your final interview!
your final interview!
your final interview!
your final interview!
your final interview!
10. August 10 , 2010August 10 , 2010
Dear 7th Grade Parents and Guardians,Dear 7th Grade Parents and Guardians,
Welcome to the new school year! As teacher-librarian I will have your son or daughter for the first semester (or untilWelcome to the new school year! As teacher-librarian I will have your son or daughter for the first semester (or until
Christmas) in Research Class twice a week (Tuesdays and Thursdays) at 2:00-2:50. I am excited to be working with theseChristmas) in Research Class twice a week (Tuesdays and Thursdays) at 2:00-2:50. I am excited to be working with these
students again as they are a creative and inquisitive class.students again as they are a creative and inquisitive class.
In the Research Class, I incorporate the use of a variety of research skills into the completion of a major project. Last year theIn the Research Class, I incorporate the use of a variety of research skills into the completion of a major project. Last year the
students learned all the skills necessary to create a research paper and then completed several short-term projects that utilizedstudents learned all the skills necessary to create a research paper and then completed several short-term projects that utilized
those skills. They did a phenomenal job on these projects! This year they will use all those same skills and learn new methodsthose skills. They did a phenomenal job on these projects! This year they will use all those same skills and learn new methods
while creating a magazine.while creating a magazine.
The project is titled "Teen World Magazine." The initial idea was taken from a National Geographic unit called Geomagazine. IThe project is titled "Teen World Magazine." The initial idea was taken from a National Geographic unit called Geomagazine. I
have adapted the unit for our use. The project incorporates writing, research, and geography into the creation of a magazine -have adapted the unit for our use. The project incorporates writing, research, and geography into the creation of a magazine -
from front cover to back cover. Each student, after selecting a country of their choice, will read a book from the "Teens Infrom front cover to back cover. Each student, after selecting a country of their choice, will read a book from the "Teens In namename
of countryof country" series and spend several hours on their laptops researching to become an expert on that country. Then, using all the" series and spend several hours on their laptops researching to become an expert on that country. Then, using all the
information, they will compile their magazine including elements common to published magazines such as articles, editorials,information, they will compile their magazine including elements common to published magazines such as articles, editorials,
maps, advertisements, and sidebars.maps, advertisements, and sidebars.
We will use the agendas every day to document our objectives and due dates. Students will receive daily effort grades and aWe will use the agendas every day to document our objectives and due dates. Students will receive daily effort grades and a
grade on each magazine element as well as a final grade on their magazine. Just know that the finished product is due the weekgrade on each magazine element as well as a final grade on their magazine. Just know that the finished product is due the week
before winter break. I post all grades online using the school's grading program so you can check on your student's progress atbefore winter break. I post all grades online using the school's grading program so you can check on your student's progress at
any time.any time.
If you have any questions at any time during the semester, please don't hesitate to call me at 455-5514 ext. 108 or email meIf you have any questions at any time during the semester, please don't hesitate to call me at 455-5514 ext. 108 or email me
atat ddmann1@elgink12.comddmann1@elgink12.com..
Sincerely,Sincerely,
Donna MannDonna Mann
Parent's Printed Name ___________________________________________Parent's Printed Name ___________________________________________
Parent's Signature _______________________________________________Parent's Signature _______________________________________________
Name of Student ________________________________________________Name of Student ________________________________________________
11. Parts of a Magazine or a Newspaper
Definition of a magazine/newspaper - a periodical containing a collection of articles, stories, pictures or other features.
Layout, typical features and technical terms --Some or all of these may be found on the pages of newspapers.
Box-out – A small part of the page, shaded in a different color.
By-line – the name of the reporter, if they are important is often included at the beginning of the feature, rather than at the end, or not
at all.
Caption – typed text under photographs explaining the image.
Column - one in a regular series of newspaper or magazine articles.
Drop cap - the first letter of an article that is larger than all the others highlighting the beginning of the article.
Editorial - an article that gives the opinion of the editors or publishers.
Exclusive – this means that the newspaper and no one else solely covers the story. The paper will pay their interviewees, buying the
story so it cannot be used by another paper.
Feature – not necessarily a ‘news’ item (current affairs), but usually with a human-interest angle presented as a spread.
Headline – this is the main statement, usually in the largest and boldest font, describing the main story. A banner headline spans the
full width of the page.
Kicker – this is a story designed to stand out from the rest of the page by the use of a different font (typeface) and
layout.
Lead Story – the main story on the front page, usually a splash.
Lure – a word or phrase directing the reader to look inside the paper at a particular story or feature.
12. TEEN WORLD VOCABULARY
Rural - country areas
Urban - city areas
Labor force - all those people who legally work
child labor - forcing underage children to work, usually long hours for little pay
menial jobs - the least attractive and lowest paid jobs
Literacy/literate - ability to read and write
Illiteracy - cannot read or write
indigenous - native to that land
upper-income families - the wealthy or richest of people
middle income families - people that are not wealthy but not poor either, in the
middle
lower-income families - the poorest of people
13. Editor's Edition Checklist
front & back covers
content menu
main feature article (article #1)
sidebar #1 (goes along with feature article)
article #1
article #2
box-out
pictures with captions
editorial column
original map #1
15. • WRITING AN EDITORIAL
*An editorial is a brief essay written by the editor of a newspaper or magazine to express the
magazine’s/newspaper’s point of view or written by an individual and sent in to the magazine or newspaper.
*The editor always uses “we” rather than “I” because s/he is representing the management of the
newspaper or magazine.
*An individual writing in to a newspaper or magazine to express her or his opinion would use the
pronoun “I” as this person is representing only their own personal opinion.
*A thesis statement is usually a single sentence somewhere in your first paragraph that presents
your argument to the reader. The rest of the essay will gather and organize evidence that will persuade the
reader of the logic of your statement.
The first paragraph includes:
• The thesis statement - state your subject and your intention in writing about it
• Three reasons that support your thesis
• State your opinion in just a sentence or two
Paragraphs 2, 3, and 4 include:
• Restate the first reason that supports your thesis
• Write sentences that support your point of view
Conclusion paragraph includes:
• Restate your thesis.
• Summarize how your reasons support your point of view
• Conclude with a summary of your opinion using different words.
16. Middle School Students Need Laptops
By Donna Mann
Middle school students need to have a laptop available for their use at all times during school hours. In the United
States only 14% of middle school and high school students have a school laptop for daily use during the school day. Students
need to have a laptop accessible so they can do research assigned to them by teachers. They also need laptops so they can
fully participate in Internet programs used in the classrooms. As we move further into the 21st century, technology is becoming
more and more a part of our daily lives and every student needs to be prepared for their high school and college years.
One of the reasons middle school students need laptops is for research. Almost every class a student takes asks them
to write about topics that involve Internet research. Approximately 55% of all middle school and 80% of all high school classes
demand that research be conducted for their assignments. In order to do this efficiently, they need easy access to a laptop.
When there are only 4 computers to a classroom and the teacher’s assignment demands research, it is difficult to do well on or
even complete an assignment when access to a computer is so limited. Much time is wasted when students wait for a laptop in
order to complete assignments. Further, not all students have access to computers and the Internet outside of school making it
impossible for them to complete assignments.
Another reason middle school students should have a laptop is for internet-based classes such as Accelerated Math
and Accelerated Reading. Students can manage their time better working on math skills or taking AR quizzes when they have
their own work station. There are more and more classes that are being taught with Internet components which students need to
have access to. More and more middle school students are taking online Pre-algebra courses which makes it imperative for them
to have a laptop. Without a personal laptop, students are only wasting time, not learning.
The last reason middle school students should have a personal school laptop is to prepare them for high school and
college. Students need to know how to use several programs they will need for their future schooling. Some high schools now
are totally computer-based like Vail School District’s Empire High School. Thousands of college professors are asking for
research papers and essays to be submitted by email. Because high school and college students spend a great deal of time
using their laptops to complete assignments, middle school students need to prepare for these kinds of technological
expectations.
As students who will live in this technological savvy age, they use cell phones, ipods and their home computers all the
time for leisure and for schoolwork. Middle school students need to be experienced laptop users. In order for them to learn
multiple programs and be prepared for high school and college, they need to be using laptops every day at school.
17. Feature ArticlesFeature Articles must:
Use at least two other sources besides your book.Those sources of information must be from the Internet.
Have a bibliography at the end of the article.
Be 3 pages long.
Have at least 2 graphics with captions. Graphic citations must be included in the bibliography.
Contain at least 2 statistics or facts.
Use an easy-to-read font size 12.
Be written for a teenage audience.
Be about your country of choice.
Include a sidebar.
18. Directions for Articles #1 and #2
• Shorter than a feature article - only 2 pages (minimum). Remember you must fill the paper with something - no white space.
• Must have two quotes - from a book, magazine, encyclopedia or the Internet. One citation MUST be from an encyclopedia.
You must use quotation marks around what you are quoting.
• All citations (quotes and pictures) should be at the end of the article. They must be in the format Elgin uses.
• Each picture used must have a one-sentence caption that explains it.
• Use your yellow planner to document what you will write about. You can change your mind if you come upon a better idea.
• Suggestions for articles: an animal unique to your country (snow monkeys to Japan or Koalas to Australia), a special place
within your country (the pyramids in Egypt or the Himalayas in Tibet), something about your country’s geography that is
unique (an island country or has large tropical rainforests), a famous person from you country (J. K. Rowling or Kipling).
•All articles must have at least 5 paragraphs - 1 introduction, 3 detail, and 1 conclusion. Can have more detail paragraphs.
• If you haven’t completed your box-out, plan now to do so.
• The font should not exceed size 14.
19. Falling in Love at the County Fair
A True Story
by Donna Mann
It was a warm, bright morning at the Santa Cruz County Fair and I had just finished my two-hour stint at the student
display area. My husband and I began to wander back to the animal pens hoping to see some of my students getting their
animals ready to show. A young cowboy in boots several sizes too big for him walked past us carrying a small black and white
puppy. I remember thinking, “Oh cute!” But when he walked by us again back in the barn area, I took a good look, walked over to
pet the tiny thing, and promptly fell in love.
Two hours later, I walked with my husband out of the fair fifty dollars poorer carrying the tiniest puppy I have ever held.
She was a twelve-week-old, seven pound black and white Border Collie. And adorable as she was, she stole both my husbands
and my hearts. She was exhausted, completely out-of-it because she had been held by multitudes of kids who had also taken a
shine to her. She never woke up the whole way back to Sierra Vista!
Border Collies, originally from England and Scotland, are one of the most highly intelligent breeds and
Border Collies are herding dogs.
This one in the highlands of Scotland
live outdoors with the sheep and the
herders who watch over them.
20. very easy to train. According to the website justdogbreeds.com, “The Border Collie is a very agile dog with plenty of stamina and
determination.” They love to please their owner and will herd anything - from the children they live with to herds of sheep. They
are good-natured, like children if they aren’t too pesky, but need lots of physical activity and mental stimulation. They need to
have a yard they can run in or will need to be walked briskly at least once a day. “Border Collies do not even slow down when
they encounter a 4 foot fence” so you must prepare their yard before bringing them home. Because this is a dog that needs
attention from its owner and lots of exercise, a Border Collie is not for everyone.
Reyna, that’s what we named her, looks like a typical Border Collie. Black with a white streak on her chest and up the
center of her face, she also wears four white socks. Even though many Border Collies are black and white, they can be other
colors such as chocolate, red or blue. She is fine boned, will grow to be about 17-20 inches in height and will weigh in around 30
50 pounds. Some Collies have long feathered fur but Reyna has the shorter fur. Since she has the shorter hair she won’t shed
as much and will only need to be brushed once a week. Reyna, like most mid-sized dogs, should live 13-15 years.
It’s been two months now since Reyna came to live with us. She has made friends with our old, Australian Shepherd,
Bandit. They play chase and wrestling games all over the yard. Much to my husband’s chagrin, she loves eating irrigation lines
and sprinkler heads. She does not like the Chili Powder I have started sprinkling on the gardens. She is amazingly and
sometimes freakily smart. She is barely 4 months old but she can sit, stay, lay down, walks well on a leash and sits at street
corners to wait for a verbal command. She’s a keeper!!
DeVine, Michael. Border Collies. Hauppauge: Barron’s Educational Services, 2007.
Just Dog Breeds. Online. www.justdogbreeds.com, November 12, 2009.
Border Collies are happy, friendly dogs who are
easily trained to play catch with a Frisbee or participate
in agility competitions.
21. Text
After a hard day
Woody and Buzz
like to enjoy an
Arizona Cola.
Get one at your
supermarket
today!
22. Ocean kayaks
Single and doubles
Prices range from $300 to $1,000
Come in and try one for yourself!!
Durable fiberglass construction
insures a safe
and comfortable ride
Padded seats reinforced
front and back
Take the
ride
of your life!!
23. Minnesota Travel
March 3, 2004
Publisher: Mann Publications
Editor: Donna Mann
Research editor:
Donna Mann
Map and Graph Designer:
Donna Mann
Credits:
Single, Sarah. Minnesota. New York: Scholastic, 2000.
Minnesota Today. Online. www.minntoday.com
February, 23, 2004.
