Teacher Page Template

Inventors America
-Page for Teachers-

Materials
Exploring Process
Technical Process
Evaluation

NCSCOS requirements met: (links)
Language Arts
Information Skills
Computer Skills

Materials Needed:

A box of items (none that can be used as weapons) including some students would see everyday and some that would be foreign to them
At least one digital camera
A disk for each camera
A disk for each student
One computer with web access for each group
Netscape Navigator tutorial
Adobe Photo Shop tutorial
Help getting web pages up on the net
Grading rubric

Process: The Exploring

Show students one item that few students should be able to recognize.
Ask: “What do you think this item could be used for?” Offer students outlandish and imaginative choices to add to their suggestions.
Define the object you have displayed as such (See example page) and give the object’s history and present-day use.
Arrange objects from box at front of room and arrange students in groups of 3.
Tell students that the object of today’s class is to create a web page using the internet and digital images to create a fictional inventor’s news article for Invention America, a bi-monthly magazine for professional and ameatur inventors. A document explaining this information is available on the student page.
Instruct groups to choose an object from the front of the room and define its purpose, inventor, and other relevant facts in 10 minutes.
Groups should each receive a digital camera from the teacher who should go over instructions for (1) Turning the camera on and off, (2) Putting a disk into the camera and taking it out, (3) Putting the battery in the camera, and (4) Zooming in and out using the zoom button Teacher should see camera manual or media specialist if these four processes aren’t clear.
Students should use at least 2 digital pictures in their news article
Give students an acceptable time limit and boundaries in which to take pictures.
Have students individually write their news article looking at the example page if necessary.

Process: The Technical Follow-up
The rest of this lesson should be done in the Computer Lab

Have each group gather around one computer central to the group (Each group should be sharing one computer). Challenge students to take turns practicing your instructions for using Netscape Navigator. Have other students observe and offer assistance.
Move students to their own individual computers.
Instruct students on how to use Netscape Navigator to make a webpage. See tutorial for assistance.
Show students how to crop and manipulate; “fix” digital images in Adobe Photo Shop.
Move students to their own individual computers.
Have students brainstorm ideas on paper and search the web for background information they could use to support their article (see example).
Have students type their article and arrange their digital images on the same page and then arrange the images and article using “Image Properties” and the tutorial if necessary. Have students cite all sources!
Have students put their pages up on the web.
Explore each student page on the web and give students feedback by email.
Explore class inventions together by use of media.

Evaluation:

0	1	2	3	4	5
You did not attempt the assignment or your web page does not contain an invention. You did not participate in group work. You do not understand Adobe or Netscape Navigator.	You attempted the assignment, but both your digital pictures or your article are missing. There are many gramatical and spelling errors in your article. No sources are cited. You have not identified your invention, your inventor or his/her history. There is no web link. You did not participate in group work. You do not understand Adobe or Netscape Navigator.	You attempted the assignment, you have at least one digital image and part of an article. There are many gramatical and spelling errors in your article. You are missing required information in your article and there is no web link. You contributed to group work by appearing and copying down all their ideas. You aren't sure how to use Netscape Navigator or Adobe.	You attempted the assignment. You have both digital images and you have completed the article. The article includes most of the required information. Your article has gramatical and spelling errors. You cited most of your web sources. You aren't sure how to use Netscape Navigator or Adobe.	Your assignment has at least two digital images. Your article is complete and includes all the required information including at least one web link. You contributed to your group's ideas. You cited all your web sources. You have an adequate grasp on Netscape Navigator and Adobe.	You have at least two digital images and an error free article that includes at least one web link. Your article details the history and invention of the inventor. You have cited all your web pictures and sources. You have at least one picture from the web. You contributed heavily to your group's brainstorming effort and you were pleasant to work with. You have demonstrated that you understand Netscape Navigator and Adobe. Your web page is up on the internet.

Master Page

Teacher Page

Student Page

Example Page