Teacher Process
Most of the information and details regarding this project are outlined in the Student Process page. Here are some additional notes that will further assist implementation of this project:
I would recommend assigning students roles and groups, not allowing them to pick. Assign them a perspective that they may not be familiar with or agree with. Put them in groups with students they do not usually work with.
- Based on 90-minute class periods, on Day1 after introduction of the project, I would recommend students doing Step 1 (quickwrite - 15 min; meeting with home groups and discussing information from quickwrites - 15 min).
- On Day 2, I would have students do Step 2 (meet in their issue groups and decide who is going to research which websites - 10 min; Internet research - 50 min; compare notes from research and individually decide what to present to home groups - 30 min).
- On Day 3, move on to Steps 3 and 4 (students share their perspectives with the group - 20 min; and groups develop policy recommendation and create presentation 70 min).
- On Day 4, finish up with Steps 5 and 6 (group presentations and quickwrite).
I think it is important to keep a tight timeline since this is a complex project. If you let it drag on too long, the students will lose the sense of urgency, and may not take it seriously.
On Day 1, I would also review the "Evaluating Web Pages" and on Day 3 go over the "Collaboration Tips" guidelines with the students.
Finally, be very clear with students concerning what they are expected to turn in individually and as a group. Encourage them to be creative with their presentations and have fun!