Lesson Blueprints
Title of Project: We're Going Where?
School District: Oneonta City School District
School: Oneonta High School
Standard: Languages Other Than English
Class: High School Spanish Classes
Teacher: Becky Byam
Library Media Specialist: Deb Dalton
Project Length: Variable
I. Issues for the Teacher
A. What NYS Standard are you working towards in this project?
Standard Languages Other than English #2: Students will develop cross-cultural
skills and understandings.
Key Idea Effective communication involves meanings that go beyond words and require an understanding of perceptions, gestures, folklore, and family and community dynamics. All of these elements can affect whether and how well a message is received.
B. What skill (C-DOS/Information Literacy, etc.) do you want your students to develop as they work on this project?

C-DOS -- Student will understand and demonstrate how academic content is applied in the read world and workplace.

AASL: #9 -- Participates effectively in groups.
C. Describe in some detail what you want your students to do and/or produce in this project that will demonstrate that they are moving toward the standard and developing their skill.
Students in groups of three or four will research 2-3 countries as possible choices for a Spanish Club trip and select the country you feel would be the best choice. They then will create a presentation, which may be electronic (web page or slide show) or in display format - posters, etc. This presentation should be 5-8 minutes long, shall be performed to a public audience, and should clearly give the reason why the selected country was chosen.
II. Issues for the Library Media Specialist
A. What instructional strategies will you use to move students toward the standard(s) and skill(s) above?
Available print resources, electronic databases, appropriate web sites and search techniques will be demonstrated. Instruction on making web site/slide presentations will be available.
B. What material/technical support will you provide for the project?
Appropriate web sites shall be made available. Print resources as well as electronic databases will be made available.
III. Issues for the Teacher and Library Media Specialist
A. What is the question driving the project?
What country should the Spanish Club visit next spring?
B. The Challenge for Students (What product do you want students to create that will provide evidence they're learning the standard and skill?)
Your Spanish Club is deciding which country to visit next spring. In recent weeks, political upheaval has made some choice unfeasible, and parents are worried about travel abroad in general. Research 2-3 countries as possible choices. Then select the country you feel would be the best choice. You will then create a presentation, which may be electronic (web page or slide show) or in display format -- posters, etc. This presentation shall be 5-8 minutes long, shall be performed a public audience, and should clearly give the reasons why you chose this country.
C. Product Criteria (What criteria for a product of "good" quality?)

In addition:

Students will work in groups of 3-4. An action plan must be submitted before any work begins, outlining a list of responsibilities of each team member. Students must make sure to research the economic, political and cultural milieus of the chosen country. Students will use culturegrams, current newspaper databases (Proquest, Electric Library) in addition to appropriate Web sites. Presentation must include technology, be 5-8 minutes duration, and include at least 4 graphics.
D. Standards Criteria (What evidence is needed to determine that the desired standard is being achieved?)
Presentation should be clearly outlined, each person's piece integrated and significant. At least 3 different sources shall be used per participant. Each student shall present at least 3 facts about the country. Each student shall be equally involved. Country information should be accurate and current. Explanation/presentation clearly explains why this choice is particularly good. Parents should leave the room convinced and reassured about the selection made.
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