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This activity is designed to get students thinking about different uses for every day products. This activity is originally designed for 5th graders but can be modified for use in all grade levels.

Materials:

Computers (one per group) equipped with a word processing program such as Microsoft Word, a photo editing program such as Adobe Photoshop, and a web page composing program like Netscape Composer.
A box full of "Inventions." This box should contain lots of different mechanical tools and parts. The stranger these items are the more creative your students will be!
Digital Camera(s)
Zip Disks or 3 1/2'' floppy disks (one per group)
Paper
Pencils

Activity:
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You can begin this activity one of two ways:
    1~ Begin by showing students an example of a project and explain what the project entails or what
        they will be doing.
    If you do not want students to have any previous knowledge or hints about what they could create:
    2~ Simply place the items you have gathered for their use and place them on the floor, group
        the students and have them select and item and begin brainstorming possible uses.

After students are placed in groups explain that they will be using the item they chose to write a news report about. Students should brainstorm within their groups to decide a new name and use for the object they have selected. Remind students that they have to come up with a completly different use, they cannot just modify the items existing use or uses. Students will be using computers for this entire activity but it is up to your descretion when you would like them to begin using the computers. They can start at the computers in groups or they can work their way to the computers after a rough draft has been written.

Students should write down a description of their item as well as its title and begin formulating a story to go along with it. This story should be in the form of a newspaper article or an advertisement. If students need some help refer them to the example page or have a few old newspapers handy for them to study. Have students check out the student page for more specific directions.

Students will use digital cameras to photograph themselves and their group memebers using or displaying their item. Be sure to familiarize students with the correct way to use the cameras to prevent any mishaps. Students should take at least one picture of their item by its self and at least one picture with their item and each member of the group.

After the students have decided on a name and a use, have taken pictures and have written the article or advertisement it's time to put it all together and onto the web. Students will be using Adobe Photoshop (or a similar photo editing program) so you should familiarize yourself with this program so you will be able to assist your students with problems they may encounter. Students should type the information in Netscape Composer and design their own pages. Remind students to SAVE OFTEN!! Students should include their email addresses so they will be able to communicate with other students who view their work and to communicate with you about their grades.

ccc.atu.edu/phsc1021/2002-spring/ index.shtml
Students will be graded on this assignment as follows:

Rough Draft    20 points
Is it organized like a newspaper article or an advertisement?   Is it creative?
Is it informative?    Does it persuade you to buy the product? Did they follow directions?
Is the main idea clear?     Are the facts clear or are you left to fill in the blanks.

Final Draft 40 points
Is the document grammatically correct? (Spelling errors, punctuation, etc.)
Does the article make sense and have fluency? Is it word processed? Detailed and creative?

Web Page   60 points
Are the pictures the correct size?
Easy to use?     Do the links work?      Do the pictures show up clearly?
Documentation?     Email address included?     Are the pictures a reasonable size?

Total 120 points

http://www.eslkidstuff.com/images/book.gif
This activity meets the following competency goals in the 5th grade NC Standard Course of
Study:

Language Arts
http://www.dpi.state.nc.us/Curriculum/languagearts/gradefive.htm

Competency Goal 1: The learner will apply enabling strategies and skills to read and write (1.03).
Competency Goal 2: The learner will apply strategies and skills to comprehend text that is read, heard, and viewed (2.01, 2.06).
Competency Goal 3: The learner will apply strategies and skills to create oral, written and visual texts (4.03, 4.05, 4.08, 4.10).
Competency Goal 5: The learner will apply grammar and language conventions to communicate effectively (5.01, 5.02, 5.03, 5.04, 5.06, 5.07, 5.08).

Computer/Technology Skills Curriculum
http://www.dpi.state.nc.us/Curriculum/computer.skills/5.html

Competency Goal 2: The learner will demonstrate knowledge and skills in the use of computer and other technologies (2.1,2.4)

Information Skills Curriculum
http://www.ncpublicschools.org/curriculum/Information/gradefive.htm

Competency Goal 1: The learner will explore sources and formats for reading, listening, and viewing purposes (1.04, 1.07, 1.08, 1.09, 1.10).
Competency Goal 4: The learner will explore and use research processes to meet information needs (4.04, 4.06, 4.09).
Competency Goal 5: The learner will communicate reading, listening, and viewing experiences (5.02).

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