1. Olympic Unit Plan for Language Arts
By Susan Marshall, Tracy Robart, and Cindy Smith

2. Olympic Lesson Plan
Duration: 4 weeks (3 – 40 minute periods per week) Grade Level – 4-5 Curriculum Area – Language Arts Cross Curricular – Lang. Arts, Social Studies, Technology Technology Equipment Required – Computer Lab, Laptop, Smart Board, and/or LCD Projector Students will work in groups of two to complete this project.

3. Language Arts Outcomes
(GCO2) – Students will be expected to communicate information and ideas effectively and clearly, and to respond personally and critically. (GCO4) – Students will be expected to select, read, and view with understanding a range of literature, information, media, and visual text. (GCO5) – Students will be expected to interpret, select, and combine information using a variety of strategies, resources, and technologies.

4. Language Arts Outcomes
(GCO8) Students will be expected to use writing and other forms of representation to explore, clarify, and reflect on their thoughts, feelings, experiences and learnings; and to use their imaginations. (GCO9)Students will be able to create texts collaboratively and independently, using a variety of forms for a range of audiences and purposes. (GCO10) Students will be expected to use a range of strategies to develop effective writing and media products to enhance their clarity, precision, and effectiveness.

5. NETS FOR TEACHERS
Standard 1 – Facilitate and Inspire Student Learning and Creativity
Standard 2 – Design and Develop Digital Age Learning Experiences and Assessments
Standard 3 – Model Digital Age Work and Learning
Standard 4 – Promote and Model Digital Citizenship and Responsibility

6. NETS FOR STUDENTS Standard 1 – Creativity and Innovation
Standard 2 – Communication and Collaboration
Standard 3 – Research and Information Fluency
Standard 4 – Critical Thinking, Problem Solving, and Decision Making
Standard 6 – Technology Operations and Concepts

7. Learning Objectives
By the end of this lesson students will be expected to:
Create a PowerPoint presentation about the Olympics.
Research and share Olympic information
Find pictures on the Internet or use clipart to insert into their PowerPoint (such as the Canadian flag and map).
Insert a table into their presentation with the final Medal Standings.
Present their creative PowerPoint Presentation to the class.

8. How to Prep for this Lesson
- check websites out before giving to students - make sure the information is accessible - make sure all the computers have PowerPoint on them - make sure teacher has USB to save students’ work

9. Introduction to the Lesson
Link to Prior Learning by reviewing previous lessons on how to make a PowerPoint.
Teacher will motivate students about the Olympics.
London Olympics London Olympics Vancouver Olympics
Teacher will show on Smart Board the site where the students can begin their research.

10. Learning Activity
Each group’s PowerPoint will include the following slides:
Title Page
Slide 1 - Olympic Rings – following teachers guideline
Meaning of the Rings
Slide 2 - Ancient Greece- history of the Olympics (minimum 3 facts)
Slide 3 - Find 5 Participating countries –Name them and insert their country’s flag.

11. Slide 4- Olympics 2012 – where and when are they taking place, what is the mascot and find 2 more interesting facts.
Slide 5 - Canadian Athlete – name of athlete, the sport they are competing in and 3 more interesting facts about the athlete (Canadian Flag must be on this page).
Slide 6 - Create a table tracking the top 5 countries and their medal count at the end of the competition.

12. Wrap Up of the Lesson
At the end of the 4 weeks the students will present their PowerPoint Presentation to the class.
This PowerPoint Project has allowed students to learn the following:
Research skills
Reading and Writing Outcomes
Information on the Olympics
How to work with others
Technology (NETS-S) and Presentation Skills

13. Assessment of Student Learning
Students will complete a Project Based Learning Checklist for self assessment.
C:\Users\susan.marshall\Desktop\6346 Technology\Student Checklist.htm
Teacher will use the following rubric:
PowerPoint Rubric

14. References
English Language Arts Curriculum, Elementary K-3, New Brunswick Department of Education Curriculum Development Branch, New Brunswick, 1998 Roblyer, M.D. & Doering, H. Aaron., Integrating Educational Technology into Teaching, 6th Edition, 2010 Pearson Education Canada