Secondary Library Media (6-12)
Lesson Plans

Strand 2:

Defining an information problem and identify information needed

Standard 2:

Identify the information needed.

• Generating An Interesting, Condensed Topic
  The purpose of this lesson is to introduce the idea of choosing an informational topic. Students will learn through discussion and practice how to condense, or "narrow down," a topic. By the end of the class, each student will choose a topic of their own, which will then become the focus of their project.
• How to Use the Card Catalog
  Informational texts in the library. How to use the card catalog to find an informational text.
• Puzzles, not Pieces: Evaluating Sources (Day 4 of 5)
  This is day four of a five ­day unit teaching students strong research skills for a "white paper" style research paper (can be modified for any pro­con research assignment). For the purpose of this assignment, the white paper is an argumentative piece which introduces a problem and argues a solution to that problem. In this team­ taught lesson, students will learn how to evaluate sources for credibility.
• Puzzles, not Pieces: Topic Selection (Day 2 of 5)
  This is Day 2 of a 5 day unit teaching students strong research skills for a "white paper" style research paper (can be modified for any pro-­con research assignment). For the purpose of this assignment, the white paper is an argumentative piece which introduces a problem and argues a solution to that problem.

  In this team­ taught lesson, students will learn that researching is not a linear process. They will use "pre­search" to help them test, adjust, or even abandon viable topics from their brainstorming. They will learn to narrow ideas to smaller, researchable concepts.

• Swift and Slow on the Internet You Will Go (Grade 6)
  Students will perform Google Searches, trying to answer Trivial Pursuit Questions. They will perform timed searches before learning search skills, and compare their search time after learning search skills. The skills they learn are Boolean: AND, OR, NOT and Quotation Marks.

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http://www.uen.org - in partnership with Utah State Board of Education (USBE) and Utah System of Higher Education (USHE).  Send questions or comments to USBE Specialist - Davina  Sauthoff and see the Library Media website. For general questions about Utah's Core Standards contact the Director - Jennifer  Throndsen.

These materials have been produced by and for the teachers of the State of Utah. Copies of these materials may be freely reproduced for teacher and classroom use. When distributing these materials, credit should be given to Utah State Board of Education. These materials may not be published, in whole or part, or in any other format, without the written permission of the Utah State Board of Education, 250 East 500 South, PO Box 144200, Salt Lake City, Utah 84114-4200.