State Economy Chart
Paula McElroy
5th/Social Studies/Math
Links to Files Associated with This Lesson
Content Area Objectives Addressed:
Students will research and
record statistics on the economy of an assigned state.
Students will create a
spreadsheet in Excel to report the data.
Students will create a 3D Pie
graph using the Chart Wizard in Excel to represent their states’ data.
Technology Objectives Addressed:
Spreadsheet Model Showing a
Relationship
Spreadsheets/ Charts
What was the process that your students went through to complete this lesson?
Students observed me modeling how to
create a spreadsheet in Excel and how to use the Chart Wizard to create a pie
graph and insert it into the work- book.
Students used the encyclopedias to look up economic information for their assigned state for “State Fair.”
Students
were cycled through the computer stations, and while they waited their turn,
they worked on their game board design, or actually taught their game to
another student if they were ready.
How did you monitor student progress?
I walked around the classroom
observing students at the computers as well as the table groups.
Was there a template or an example that students were expected to follow?
How much time did you dedicate to this project?
Total A 50 minute class period
Daily (approximate)
How was the final product presented?
Students show their product in their
State Fair presentation.
Who was the audience for the final product?
Teacher, classmates, family, guests
What prior knowledge was required on the part of the students in order for them to be successful in this project? (include curriculum and technology knowledge)
Ability
to research information from a encyclopedia article, and make note of data. To
create a new workbook in Excel, knowing basic vocabulary such as row and column,
and labels.
To enter data using a keyboard.
To name and save a file.
To print a file.
What was the student to computer ratio?
How did you schedule your students’ computer time?
I used stations,
students were busy with other “State Fair” related activities while they
waited to cycle through the computer station.
What was the location of the computers and other technology equipment used by students?
On the western wall of
my classroom.
How would you suggest beginning teachers obtain computer resources for their students? (Knowing some of your strategies would be valuable for our pre-service teachers.) Beg, write grants, beg again, offer to partner with someone that has computers in their classroom, did I mention begging?
Rate the level of access for students to use computers/other technologies as they needed --high, medium, low
High
Rate the level of supervision required for students during the project, specifically for computer and other technology use –high, medium, low
What hardware was required for your project?
Five P. C. Computers,
and a network printer, with the bonus of a projector to show the class how to do
the activity first.
What software was required for your project?
Microsoft Excel
(Microsoft Works would do also)
Anything else?
Construction paper, art supplies, a
set of encyclopedias
What kind of assessment did you use for this project? (Include a copy if you can.)
I would judge the final product produced in the activity.
What categories did you assess? (I.e.: content, screen design, depth/breadth, etc.)
Content,
color, and layout.
How does the product that you submitted compare with other students’ products for this same project?
Very
comparable.
What did you like best about this project?
I really like the fact that the
students begin to help each other, and sometimes I hear them repeat what I have
modeled in the classroom! I love it
when they use the same type of questioning strategies to help students complete
the task at hand!
What did the students like best about this project?
The students enjoyed playing other
student-designed board games, and they love to make charts using the chart
wizard! Many wanted to customize
their color choice further.
Rank the level of student involvement in this project –high, medium, low
High
Rank the level of student interest in this project –high, medium, low
High
Would you teach this lesson again?
Yes, this is a wonderful
lesson, and we will do it again on a higher level before we present “State
Fair”