Olympic Unit Plan for Language Arts

By Susan Marshall, Tracy Robart, and Cindy Smith

Olympic Lesson PlanDuration: 4 weeks (3 – 40 minute periods per

week)Grade Level – 4-5Curriculum Area – Language ArtsCross Curricular – Lang. Arts, Social Studies,

TechnologyTechnology Equipment Required – Computer

Lab, Laptop, Smart Board, and/or LCD Projector

Students will work in groups of two to complete this project.

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.

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.

NETS FOR TEACHERSStandard 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

NETS FOR STUDENTSStandard 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

Learning ObjectivesBy 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.

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

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.

http://www.ctvolympics.ca/ http://projectbritain.com/olympics/

Learning Activity Each group’s PowerPoint will include the following

slides:Title Page Slide 1 - Olympic Rings – following teachers

guidelineMeaning 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.

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.

Wrap Up of the LessonAt 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

Assessment of Student LearningStudents 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

ReferencesEnglish 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.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SFs6HUEWpIIhttp://projectbritain.com/olympics/teachingresources.htmlhttp://www.ctvolympics.ca/http://www.rubrics4teachers.com/powerpoint.php