The Modern Fashion and Invention Project:

Abstract:

This lesson is designed to have students use their imagination while combing their computers and writing skills.  The modern fashion and invention project can be adjusted for grade levels 4 - 6.

• Have students practice their creative writing and proof reading skills.
• Have students create a web page using Netscape Composer.

This lesson can be used to meet the following NCSCS standards for the fourth grade:

Language Arts:

     Competency Goal 5:  The learner will apply grammar and language
                          conventions to communicate effectively.

                        5.01 Use correct capitalization (e.g., names of
                        languages, nationalities, musical compositions) and
                        punctuation (e.g., commas in a series, commas in direct
                        address, commas and quotation marks in dialogue,
                        apostrophes in possessives).

                       5.02 Demonstrate understanding in speaking and writing
                        by appropriate usage of:

                              pronouns.
                              subject/verb agreement.
                              verb tense consistency.
                              subject consistency.

                        5.03 Elaborate information and ideas in writing and
                        speaking by using:

                             simple and compound sentences.
                             regular and irregular verbs.
                             adverbs.
                             prepositions.
                             coordinating conjunctions.

                        5.04 Compose multiple paragraphs with:

                             topic sentences.
                             specific, relevant details.
                             logical progression and movement of ideas.
                             coherence.
                             elaboration.
                             concluding statement related to the topic.

                       5.05 Use visual (orthography) and meaning based
                        strategies as primary sources for correct spelling.

                       5.06 Proofread and correct most misspellings
                        independently with reference to resources (e.g.,
                        dictionaries, thesaurus, glossaries, computer spell checks,
                        and other classroom sources).

                        5.07 Use established criteria to edit for language
                        conventions and format.

                        5.08 Demonstrate evidence of language cohesion by:

                             logical sequence of fiction and nonfiction retells.
                             time order sequence of events.
                             sustaining conversations on a topic.

                        5.09 Create readable documents through legible
                        handwriting and/or word processing.
 

Technology:

    Competency Goal 2:  The learner will demonstrate knowledge and
                            skills in the use of computer and other technologies.

                       2.2 Practice proper keyboarding techniques for upper
                       and lower case letters. (KU/WP/DTP)

                       2.3 Recognize word processing terms and functions.
                       (KU/WP/DTP)

                       2.4 Edit a word processing file to make indicated
                       corrections. (KU/WP/DTP)
 

Language Arts:  Be able to writ creatively.
Technology:  Be able to use a keyboard and mouse.

Students will need access to a web browser, pencil and paper.  The teacher will need enough items or "inventions" for the students to choose from.

1.  Focus and Review:

Review with students any creative writing skills they have been working on previously.  Have students open their Netscape browser and create a blank composer page.

2.  Objectives:

Students will practice their creative writing skills while creating their own web page.  This web page will contain information on an invention that they create from an ordinary object using their imagination.

3.  Teacher Input:

Lead a quick discussion on  how to use Netscape Composer  if your students don't already know how to use it.  You may also want to give a quick introduction on how to re-size images using Adobe Photoshop.

4.  Guided Practice:

You may want to walk the class through the re-sizing on an image using Adobe Photoshop as well as provide the class with an example web page.

Place the students into small groups and have them chose an item from the invention box.  Tell them to collaborate in order to decide a name and function for their invention.

5.  Independent Practice:

Have students create their individual web pages.

If there are not enough computers for the children to each have their own to work on you can suggest they work in pairs to create their web pages.

* Suggestion:  When you have two kids working on one computer suggest to them to brainstorm ideas together as to what they want their web page to look like.  Then tell them to take turns typing in the written part of their web page.

6.  Closure:

Have students present their pages to the class commenting on strengths and differences between the pages.  Make sure to point out a strength in every page.  Also be sure to e-mail students feedback on their web pages and their presentations.