Social+Studies

= Social Studies =

Technology:
Students will use the Internet to conduct research, and then will use Inspiration to create a graphic organizer. Sites to be used for research include:
 * @http://www.kids.gov/
 * @http://bensguide.gpo.gov/
 * @http://kids.clerk.house.gov/grade-school/

Curriculum Standard:
Standard 5, Benchmark B, Indicator 8: Describe the process by which a bill becomes a law.

Description:
The students will research the process by which a bill becomes a law using the sites listed above. Students should take notes as they read about the process. After they have conducted their research, students will use Inspiration to create a graphic organizer to represent the process. Students will compare their graphic organizer against the scoring rubric prior to submitting it.

Example (http://www.lexisnexis.com/help/CU/The_Legislative_Process/How_a_Bill_Becomes_Law.htm):



Supporting Research:
Gallavan, N., & Kottler, E. (2007). Eight types of graphic organizers for empowering social studies students and teachers. //Social Studies//, //98//(3), 117-128. Retrieved from Academic Search Complete database.

This article discusses the benefits of using graphic organizers in social studies classrooms. The authors note that students often struggle with understanding the social studies content, but that having them create graphic organizers can help them organize, understand, and apply the information. The authors state, "Graphic organizers...help students sort, simplify, show relationships, make meaning, and manage data quickly and easily."

Tried & True or New & Innovative:
The research portion of this activity is tried and true. Conducting research using the Internet is a common activity for students. However, putting their research into a graphic organizer using Inspiration is new and innovative. Students have very little familiarity with Inspiration, and combining Inspiration with Internet research is new to these students.

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